Local volunteers, most of them from the displaced community in northern Iraq, are trained by CRS’ building engineers on basic construction and installing doors and windows in buildings that have become temporary shelters. Photo by Kim Pozniak/CRS

Iraq: Beyond Violence & War, Hope & Resilience Prevail

Photo by Kim Pozniak/CRS

Life in Iraq wasn't easy after years of conflict and war. But when ISIS advanced last year, taking control of large swaths of the country, millions of people were uprooted from their homes and lives. Formerly middle-class families now struggle to survive in the most basic conditions—without homes, jobs or incomes. Catholic Relief Services and its local partner, Caritas Iraq, are assisting them with shelter and food vouchers, and with care and education for the countless children displaced from their schools.

Namleat Abdullah Ali prepares a meal for her family, with help from her grandson, Mazen Badel. They are among thousands of Iraqis living in unfinished buildings, with a bare minimum of necessities. Photo by Kim Pozniak/CRS

An estimated 65% of children, displaced from their homes in northern and central Iraq, are currently out of school. Many haven't attended school in over a year. Photo by Kim Pozniak/CRS

More than 2,000 children participate in education, counseling and recreation at CRS' child support centers in northern Iraq. CRS and Caritas Iraq plan to expand the program to reach even more children. Photo by Kim Pozniak/CRS

Trained volunteers, most of whom were displaced by ISIS, offer daily activities like games, arts and crafts, drama, music and non-formal education to help reintroduce a sense of normalcy into children's lives. Photo by Kim Pozniak/CRS

Torn from their former middle-class lives, many Iraqis now find themselves without homes or jobs. CRS provides monthly food vouchers so they can eat. Photo by Kim Pozniak/CRS

Salahaldin Yaseen, who used to live in Mosul, buys groceries using a voucher provided by CRS and Caritas Iraq. Displaced Iraqis can redeem the vouchers for food at grocery stores and other vendors. Photo by Kim Pozniak/CRS

Salahaldin Yaseen walks home with groceries from a store in Akre district, where CRS and Caritas Iraq are providing monthly food vouchers to thousands of people displaced by ISIS. Photo by Kim Pozniak/CRS

Contractors and trained volunteers are upgrading unfinished buildings that have become temporary homes to displaced families throughout Iraqi Kurdistan. Windows, doors and stair rails provide safety and protection from the elements. Photo by Kim Pozniak/CRS

PVC windows and doors have been installed in hundreds of dilapidated and unfinished homes, where families have sought refuge. These basic upgrades protect families from extreme winter and summer temperatures and keep scorpions and other pests out. Photo by Kim Pozniak/CRS

Fathi Rasheed Ayob and her son must tread carefully on a stairway without railing in an unfinished home where they live. CRS building engineers and trained volunteers are installing banisters. Photo by Tarq Berwari for CRS

CRS' shelter team in Iraq makes basic upgrades to unfinished buildings housing displaced families. Installing banisters eliminates a safety hazard for the many displaced children. Photo by Kim Pozniak/CRS

Many view Iraq as a hopeless country where continuing violence seems to make progress impossible. But CRS is there, providing care for the country's future: its children. Photo by Kim Pozniak/CRS

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Catholic Relief Services is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; Donations to CRS are tax-deductible to the full extent allowable under the law.

Catholic Relief Services eases suffering and provides assistance to people in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.

We are the official overseas relief and development agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and a member of Caritas Internationalis.

Iraq: Beyond Violence & War, Hope & Resilience Prevail

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