Georgia Appeal Update - September 2008

At the outbreak of the conflict, huge numbers fled South Ossetia, Gori and surrounding villages and headed to Tbilisi. Two weeks after the end of the conflict, the Government of Georgia encouraged as many displaced people as possible to return home, or at least leave Tbilisi. Around 25,000 are now living in temporary accommodation in Gori -- some in tents, and some in schools or kindergartens around the city. Support is expected to last around six months. Because people are living in kindergartens, there is nowhere for small children to attend school in Gori this year. Schools are opening in shifts to accommodate everyone for the new school year.

The Hesed in Gori closed during the war but was active in helping people get to Tbilisi. Now open again, the Gori Hesed is providing hot meals to 54 people daily -- some in the building, and some via meals-on-wheels.

Georgia is suffering from inflation in line with the rest of the world, but due to the war there are extra financial concerns -- for instance, dairy products in Gori typically came from villages that are today inside Russia's buffer zone. Most of these villages have been razed, and as such, there are no products being made. Gas prices have increased by 50% this year and are expected to rise again by the end of the year following the conflict.

Aid is still needed in the region. WJR will continue to endeavour to provide support to as many as it can until they are again able to support themselves.