Syria is suffering not only from the aftermath of the earthquakes but also from the impact of a war that has lasted for over twelve years. The conflict has devastated large parts of the country, displaced millions of people, and severely damaged infrastructure. In northwestern Syria, in particular, many families rely on humanitarian aid due to the lack of basic services. One of those most severely affected is Mahmud Homsi. The 50-year-old father lived with his wife, Radia, and six other family members in Dwebiq, a rural area near the Turkish border. The earthquake dramatically worsened their already precarious situation. Without stable housing or functioning infrastructure, they were left with nothing. “We went through hell” says Mahmud Homsi. “We lived with eight people in a single room—my wife, my children, my parents, and me. There was no kitchen, no bathroom, no toilet. My daughters had to go outside at night with their mother to relieve themselves, which was dangerous. Because of the cold, we could hardly wash ourselves.” His wife, Radia, adds: “I didn’t even have a kitchen. I had to wash dishes on the floor in the cold. Life was difficult.”

Like many other families in Syria, they could not afford to rebuild their home. With the support of Solidar Suisse and its partner organization SARD, the Homsi family found new hope. “They renovated our room and built us a second shelter. Before that, we had to live outside for months. Now, we can shower properly again and feel safe. Our lives have completely changed.”

For Mahmud and Radia Homsi, this support means not only a better home but also a sense of dignity and security in a region marked by instability. However, thousands of families are still living under similar conditions and urgently need assistance.