Life-changing protection support to earthquake-affected refugees in Türkiye: Asma’s Story

Supporting communities impacted by the February 6 earthquakes through the CFM

In January 2024, GOAL received a call through its CFM hotline. Struggling to provide for her children’s needs amid the devastation, Asma, a 53-year-old mother of six children—each facing different physical or mental disabilities and requiring different levels of care and support—reached out to GOAL, seeking support after the February 6 earthquakes.

The disaster had not only destroyed their home but also limited their access to essential medical care, plunging the family into extreme financial and health hardship.

Asma’s family lived in an overcrowded house with an overwhelming monthly rent, which had become unmanageable due to their lack of income and reliance on Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN) support from the European Union.

Their financial situation, paired with vast health complications, meant not only was the family at risk of eviction and facing homelessness, but they also lacked access to essential services that they desperately needed, particularly her children, who suffered from various health conditions. Additionally, the absence of disability documentation for some members of the family complicated their access to critical support.

GOAL’s response: From assessment to rent assistance, market card and documentation support

During a thorough assessment conducted by GOAL, it became clear that the family’s situation was dire. The family was in desperate need of support to stay in their home and to manage basic needs.

GOAL Türkiye intervened and provided three months of rent assistance and a market card for buying the necessary food to survive. GOAL also supported the family in obtaining crucial disability documentation and provided hospital transport and translation services.

Tal, the father, shared his relief:

“The support from GOAL Türkiye made me feel like I wasn’t alone. With their help, we are secure in the place we live in and can now access the essential services we desperately need. I can now focus on the health and wellbeing of my children, thanks to the incredible support we received.”

Coordinated support from GOAL and the European Union

Thanks to swift and coordinated interventions from GOAL, funded by the European Union, Asma’s family now has a renewed sense of security and hope. GOAL’s assistance included obtaining critical medical reports required for disability benefits and access to health services, food voucher assistance, and three months of regular rental support for this family of eight.

This assistance was delivered in Hatay, one of the cities most severely impacted by the February 6 earthquakes. Through this targeted support, Asma’s family is now on a path from crisis to resilience, reflecting the profound impact of timely and coordinated humanitarian aid.

GOAL Türkiye remains dedicated to helping vulnerable families through their darkest times, empowering them to build a brighter, more stable future.