When 60,000 people were left homeless in Turkey after the October 2011 earthquake, the situation was more critical and challenging then it was first imagined. Winter had already begun to creep in, adding frostbite and exposure related injuries to the torment of the homeless people of Eastern Turkey.

As an immediate response, IDRF (International Development and Relief Foundation) partnered with the International Blue Crescent (IBC) to address the heating needs in nine villages. 250 portable wood-fired and vented heating units were soon installed that provided heat to almost 1500 immediate family members in the towns of Van and Ercis.

Already dealing with hard economic conditions even before the earthquake, it was realized that the region's recovery would not be swift and easy and it was essential to immediately ease one main aspect of their living condition as part of emergency response. Providing heaters to these low income communities where adverse weather conditions are beyond endurance was part of that emergency response and the beneficiaries were most grateful for this provision.

Since families have been sharing the shelters to spread their meager provisions and share heating resources, over five thousand people have actually benefited from the warmth these heaters provide. The heaters will last on average an additional ten years with proper upkeep and maintenance, providing a gift that will continue to give for many winters to come. This project is sustainable since beneficiaries who have a high need of these are motivated to maintain them and these will last them at a minimum for five years through a guarantee. It is the most cost effective and common heating system in the region without any additional cost for heating raw materials.

The main operation center for distribution has been established in the biggest village of Ermişler which was the regional center with the school and state facilities and involvement of local villagers to all activities secured.

Severe weather conditions initially delayed the delivery of the heaters to the far-off villages as roads were covered with snow. At such times villagers came to the center and helped access by opening the roads or assisting project vehicles trapped on the roads. In some cases the villagers provided their volunteer capacity by delivering the heaters to the villages on their animals. [Click here to see more photos.]

IDRF is proud of this partnership with IBC and their dedication in reaching and providing aid to survivors despite the difficulties. Without the support of generous donors, it is impossible to succeed in such ventures, and IDRF acknowledges all supporters who helped in spreading the warmth!