SEATTLE - Peter Sundt, Middle East
Relief Manager for World Concern, reported today from Mozul that at least
4,000 families there are in need of immediate assistance. Many of
the families had been recipients of aid in the United Nations' Oil-For-Food
program, but they lacked the financial resources needed to supplement the
small amount of aid they had received.
Sundt has been leading one of the first
relief assessment teams back into Iraq since the war. The team first
traveled to the Iraqi city of Kirkuk, where families seemed to be faring
well, despite post-war turmoil. Their next stop in the city of Mozul,
however, revealed a different picture.
"Some food is in the marketplace, but the economy is so poor that many cannot purchase it," said Sundt. "We visited the homes of more than 50 families and discovered many in critical need. We're finding the economy here poorer than in communities we worked with in Albania and Kosovo a few years ago, and families have fewer resources to draw on."
World Concern is assisting local partners to identify families in the greatest need. These are disabled, low income and single head of household families. The team's next stop will be Baghdad.
"I am very impressed with our local church partners who are well structured to provide humanitarian aid," Sundt reported. "There is good cooperation between Muslims and Christians to help all families in need, despite their religious affiliations."
Seattle-based World Concern has been providing life, opportunity and hope to families in need worldwide since 1955. World Concern's Middle East relief response is currently funded solely by private donations. For more information or to make a donation, please call (800) 755-5022 or visit www.worldconcern.org<http://www.worldconcern.org>. Gifts by check or money order can also be mailed to World Concern, Iraq Refugee Relief, 19303 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98133. World Concern is a ministry of CRISTA.
Media Contact: Teri Johnson
work (206) 546-7386, cell (206) 963-5988
terij@worldconcern.org