The Power of Cash Assistance: Sanaa’s Story from Syria

Sanna and her son visiting their local market. Idlib, Syria.

In Idlib, Syria, life is far from easy for many families. Sanaa , a 54-year-old mother, knows this reality well. Living with a disability caused by polio, Sanaa works as a tailor to support her ten-year-old son. Despite the challenges of being a single mother living with disabilities, she’s determined to provide for her son and give him a stable future.

Sanaa’s income from tailoring was barely enough to cover food and basic needs, let alone the extra costs that came with winter. Heating their home was a constant worry. The cold was hard on her health, and the high cost of fuel—around $350 for the season—was simply out of reach.

“Winter is the hardest time for us. Heating is essential, especially with my health condition, I can’t stand the cold. Yet, the income I earn barely covers our food, let alone the high costs of heating. ”

When showcasing her tailoring work at “Core of Empowerment”, a week-long SARD initiative highlighting the positive contributions of people with disabilities in their communities, SARD learned of Sanaa’s situation. Watch a video highlighting the initiative here.

“After the event, the organization reached out to me. Their team visited my home, spent time getting to know my family, and carefully assessed our living conditions.”

SARD determined that Sanaa was eligible for our Cash Assistance Program —$100 a month for eight months—to help cover basic needs including urgent winter expenses. Thanks to EU and Welthungerhilfe support, SARD is distributing 8 rounds of multipurpose cash to 1,000 households in northwest Syria.

This support allowed Sanaa to buy fuel for heating and take care of other household needs without the constant stress of choosing between warmth and food. In addition, connections made at the “Core of Empowerment” initiative has increased the visibility of her business.

“It has made such a difference in our lives, especially during the winter months. Projects like this are a blessing because they ease that worry. They provide relief for heating expenses and household needs, helping families like mine face the season with less fear and more hope. ”

Sanaa working on her latest tailoring job.

For Sanaa, the cash assistance wasn’t just about money—it was about dignity and the ability to make choices for her family. It gave her the flexibility to prioritize what mattered most, whether it was heating, food, or her son’s education. Unlike one-size-fits-all in-kind aid, cash gives families the freedom to decide what they need most. For Sanaa, it meant warmth and stability during the winter. For others, it might mean covering a medical procedure, a solar panel to run their asthma machine, healthier food options, school supplies, or help with their rent.

Cash assistance addresses immediate needs, but it also restores dignity, builds resilience, and gives families like Sanaa’s the opportunity to build for the future.