Shining a light: case studies of real people we help.

“When our home was bombed, Alma and I were buried under the rubble for 24 hours. It’s a miracle we survived.”

Their Baraa Hamdouna, a 26-year-old mother, lives in southern Gaza's Deir Al Balah with her husband Amjad, their two-year-old daughter Alma, and her in-laws. Life in Gaza has always been a struggle, but the ongoing conflict has made survival nearly impossible for Baraa and her family. Their home was destroyed in an airstrike, forcing them to seek shelter in a torn tent, and now, a bombed house with no ceiling serves as their only refuge.

"I was married at 19, and for years my husband and I tried to conceive," Baraa shares. "After five years, we were told that I needed medical treatment we couldn’t afford. But by the grace of Allah, I was blessed with my little girl, Alma. She is my world, my miracle."

Their challenges took a harrowing turn when their home was bombed. Baraa and Alma were buried under rubble for 24 hours before they were rescued, a miracle they still struggle to comprehend. Now, with winter fast approaching, the family faces an unforgiving season in a bombed house with no roof, a sad norm in Gaza right now. 

"I don't know how we will survive without any kind of protection over our heads. Please, can you help us buy a tent?" Baraa pleads.

The mental toll has been overwhelming for her. The destruction of their home left them with nothing, pushing Baraa into a deep depression. She could no longer manage even simple tasks for her family, as every day was a reminder of their loss and hardship.

"We are left with nothing. Life here is far worse than you can imagine. I had to endure what has been chosen for us, and I had to get stronger for Alma."

Their situation worsened when the family developed skin conditions due to the only water available that is salty and polluted. Clean water is a luxury they can rarely afford, and basic necessities like food and hygiene products are often out of reach. The rising costs have made survival even harder. Alma suffers from malnutrition and a calcium deficiency that has led to bow legs. Baraa is unable to buy her nappies, as a single pack now costs $40—more than the family can afford.

"I pray for everyone at SWAN for allowing us to eat and have the basics. It helps us so much, and it helps my mental state."

Baraa's story is one of thousands in Gaza. Families like hers are facing the harshest conditions, with winter coming and no shelter in sight. At SWAN, we are committed to supporting them through these difficult times, but we cannot do it alone.

We urgently need your help to provide Baraa and her family with a tent to keep them safe from the harsh winter, as well as nappies and other essentials for Alma. Your donations can make a tangible difference in their lives and offer them a glimmer of hope amid the darkness.

Your support can help keep a family warm, feed a child, and restore some dignity to those who have lost everything. Please consider donating to SWAN and sharing Baraa’s story to raise awareness. Together, we can bring relief and show families like Baraa’s that they are not forgotten.

Donate now and help us make a life-changing difference for Baraa, Alma, and countless others in need.