World Relief and Albanian churches from Korce and Erseke helped rebuild homes for over 1,000 people in three locations. Widows, the most vulnerable victims of the war, were given priority in housing reconstruction. World Relief and church volunteers partnered to meet the immediate physical and emotional needs of some 700 grieving widows and family members. Albanian-speaking Christian women visited the widows every few days, developing friendships and distributing hygiene items, cooking supplies and bedding. While bank members revive the local economy, they encourage and hold each other accountable for loan repayments.
Participants are able to support their families, while building relationships of trust with others.
In the next year, World Relief s loan program will benefit about 12,000 people, expand beyond Pristina and target female entrepreneurs. World Relief is the international assistance arm of the National Association of Evangelicals.