Explosion Leaves Hundreds of Thousands Without Shelter and Supplies

TUESDAY AUGUST 11, 2020 CINCINNATI, OH — Matthew 25: Ministries, a humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization headquartered in Cincinnati, OH is shipping disaster relief to Lebanon in the aftermath of a catastrophic explosion that rocked the capital city of Beirut on August 4.  The country was already suffering a major economic downturn before the explosion, with many families struggling with poverty and hunger. The explosion made things worse by destroying much of the capital city as well as the main port—devastating for a nation that relies heavily on food imports.

Matthew 25: Ministries provides critical first response necessities and services as well as long-term assistance to distribution partners in disaster areas to support relief and recovery efforts.  Matthew 25 has responded to multiple domestic and international disasters including tornadoes, wildfires, storms, floods, contaminations and droughts.  Matthew 25 is shipping a container of disaster relief to Lebanon including products such as personal care items, cleaning supplies, baby supplies and more.

The death toll from last week’s explosion has risen to more than 200 with over 100 people still missing, and more than 5,000 injured.  The enormous blast damaged buildings in a radius of two or more miles in Beirut, leaving more than 300,000 people homeless or living in homes with no windows or doors. Officials estimate that the explosion may have caused more than 3 billion dollars in damage and that Lebanon’s economic losses may amount to as much as 15 billion.

“I’m heartbroken for the loss of life and the impact this catastrophe has had on so many people,” said Matthew 25: Ministries’ CEO Tim Mettey. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them in their time of need.”

For the most current information on Matthew 25: Ministries’ activities, please visit their website www.m25m.org or follow Matthew 25 on Facebook facebook.com/m25m.org, Instagram instagram.com/m25m_org and Twitter twitter.com/M25M_org.  For more in-depth information about Matthew 25: Ministries’ humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts or to schedule an interview, please contact Joodi Archer joodi@m25m.org.

Matthew 25: Ministries accepts cash, credit card and internet donations for ongoing disaster aid and humanitarian relief programs.  More than 99% of Matthew 25: Ministries’ cash and in-kind donations go toward programs. All designated funds are used for the purpose intended. Matthew 25 also welcomes volunteers six days a week at their Blue Ash facility.  For the most up-to-date information about Matthew 25: Ministries’ humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts please contact Joodi Archer joodi@m25m.org or call (513) 793-6256.

ABOUT MATTHEW 25: MINISTRIES: Matthew 25: Ministries rescues and reuses approximately 13,000,000 pounds of products each year and redistributes them to people in desperate need throughout the US and worldwide. Each year, Matthew 25: Ministries impacts the lives of more than 18,000,000 individuals throughout the United States and around the world.  Matthew 25 is ranked on Forbes’ list of America’s Top Charities. Matthew 25 is also highly ranked among approximately 3,500 four-star charities on Charity Navigator.  Matthew 25: Ministries is accredited by the Better Business Bureau through the “Wise Giving Alliance Standards”. For more information, or to schedule an interview, contact Joodi Archer at Matthew 25: Ministries (513) 793-6256 joodi@m25m.org or visit www.m25m.org.