Lebanese come together: Volunteers in Beirut mobilize to turn schools into shelters

In the heart of Hamra in Lebanon's Beirut, volunteer engineers, doctors, and nurses are working tirelessly to support the forcibly displaced families from South Lebanon, Bekaa, or Beirut's Southern Suburb amid the Israeli aggression on Lebanon. Engineer Jihad Lahoud, volunteering at the makeshift shelter at the National Protestant College, shared with Al Mayadeen how they rushed to act as the crisis unfolded. Within days, a committee was organized, and they assessed and prioritized maintenance needs for schools and buildings repurposed to shelter displaced residents. Without prior plans in place, volunteers were able to set up medical clinics, ensure the safety of buildings, and allocate resources. Lahoud highlighted the dedication of these professionals, who have been contributing with their expertise daily to create safe and supportive spaces.