Helping War Victims Help Others
Naira Kochuashvili's home in Gori is just ten meters from a site where Russian cluster bombs were dropped during the August 2008 conflict. While Naira's home suffered only minor damage, some of her relative's homes were destroyed. Even though she had very little to support her own family, she did her best to help her extended family during the difficult times. Naira knew she could not turn her back on her family. "I consider myself to be a very strong woman. I will carry on and I am not afraid of anything," said Naira. "But what shall I do with these internally displaced persons? They have a three year old child with them. What will they do?" she asked. USAID's Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) led the U.S. Government's initial humanitarian assistance efforts. Through a program implemented by CHF, OFDA funded emergency assistance to Naira and others like her who opened their homes to families unable to return to their own homes. Naira warmly recalls the moment someone knocked on her door and said, "We are here to help you." "They showed me a paper and said, ‘Choose from these boxes.'" The boxes listed different items families might need as they housed extra friends and family members - linens, bath towels, wash basin, water heater etc. Naira chose a wash basin and water heater. "We do not live in a luxury house and have no one to support us, so the assistance was right on time," added Naira. OFDA was also able to provide cash assistance, which was critical to Naira. She owed money at the time and would hosting her relatives would have put her deeper in debt. "I am very grateful for the assistance," said Naira.
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