Weeks and months after the blast that hit the capital on August 4, 2020, citizens were still picking up pieces of glass and clearing wounds that left scars on humans and buildings as well. While these citizens were left with no answers to their grievances and questions, LOST in partnership with WHH has already begun their assessment through the streets and neighborhoods of Beirut. Targeting damaged shops and people who have always been beyond the life in this capital, this initiative was about to build life over traces of death once again. Hope is what urged and empowered the team on the ground. After weeks of assessing losses and damages, and among various initiatives ranging from hot meal distribution to helping rehome tens of vulnerable families, it was time to restore security by repairing windows, doors, garages, and shop fronts.
Here is one of the human stories behind the blast, one that was also on the list of LOST and WHH. Sarkis Mikaelian, a 43-year-old barber and a father of two, is one of hundreds who has lost their only source of income in the tragic blast. Mr. Mikaelian’s barber shop is located at one of the corners of Borj Hammoud since 2003, a place previously full of sounds of shears and clippers, is now just silently damaged. He has styled the hair of thousands, and now this humble artistic place of his is on the floor. Although his shop front and shelves were shattered, Sarkis still needed to work for many reasons, mainly the livelihood of his two little daughters and wife. “Giving up cannot be an option. My family is counting on me, on this previously-called barbershop”, explained Sarkis.
Under its rehabilitation project, LOST and WHH were able to repair this 20-year-old barbershop, enabling this old man to welcome his loyal clients again. “This generous rehabilitating effort was really our last chance in regaining our life back. LOST and WHH did not merely repair my door and roof, they honestly repaired every Lebanese citizen’s belief in the power of solidarity and a better future”, said Mr. Mikaelian.
