After a listening process by a Mennonite Central Committee partner, 209 families that survived an August earthquake in Afghanistan used cash assistance from MCC to buy winter clothing, shoes, medicine or cooking utensils.

MCC partners were some of the first to provide support. They visited people sheltering in tents to listen to the families and comfort them.

The MCC partners’ staff learned the needs were vast and varied. Each family had different priorities. Cash distributions would allow families to meet their needs with dignity. In Nangahar province, 209 families — over 1,400 people — received funds to purchase essential items while also stimulating the local economy.

More than 80% of families purchased clothing first. Winter layers, children’s shoes and daily wear had all been lost. Medicine to treat injuries was another common purchase. Others bought cooking utensils to prepare food again.