Dear CSSW Community,
As of today, more than 20,000 people have been killed and over 80,000 injured due to the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit Syria and Turkey on Monday. To make matters worse, it is the dead of winter. It is cold and many are without shelter and feeling hopeless.
My sincere condolences go out to the people of Syria, Turkey, and their loved ones. The earthquake has caused a humanitarian crisis that is now being compounded. And in moments like this, hope feels futile. Social workers understand the necessity of holding space for people to process their trauma and grief, to honor their humanity and dignity in the midst of extreme pain and suffering. Social workers also serve as conduits of hope. They are trained to be on the frontlines and offer support and resources to help those suffering make sense of their “new world”.
It will be some time before we know what their “new world” will be. Right now, making sure their immediate needs are being met is front and center. For those interested in supporting the disaster relief on the ground, a more thorough list of resources will be forthcoming. For now, please find some initial ways to help here.
In community,
Melissa