By Fiona Benson
The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS), in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), has provided direct cash assistance to 1,820 families affected by the 2024 floods.
The exercise is part of efforts to restore hope to communities once overwhelmed by floodwaters.
The victims were located in Montserrado, Lofa, Bong, and Grand Cape Mount counties.
The initiative, funded by ECOWAS, and implemented by the LNRCS in collaboration with NDMA, formed part of a broader project, titled: “Strengthening Resilience and Supporting Disaster-Affected Populations in Liberia.”
The project was launched in August, 2024, with the aim to restore livelihoods, reduce vulnerabilities, and build long-term community resilience among disaster-affected populations.
The program targets the most vulnerable households, including female-headed families, persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant, and breastfeeding women, and families with children under five. Each family received US$250 direct cash transfer to rebuild homes, restart small businesses, or meet pressing daily needs. LNRCS Secretary-General Gregory T. Blamoh, said the project is more than a humanitarian response; it is an investment in resilience, dignity, and empowerment for Liberian communities. “With the support of ECOWAS, NDMA, government institutions, and our dedicated Red Cross volunteers, we are confident that families will recover stronger, and be better prepared for future shocks,” Blamoh said During the official launch, ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia, Josephine Nkrumah, reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to stand with affected families. Madam Nkrumah said, the project is not just a symbol of support, but a declaration of solidarity. Among the many beneficiaries, the stories of courage and determination are deeply inspiring was Joe Swen, a visually impaired resident of Matilda community.
“I never received that kind of money since I became blind, and today, I feel blessed, because, it is not good for a blind person to be begging in the streets.
