Today we’d like to introduce you to Fatimah Awad.
Hi Fatimah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was inspired by a little 8 year old boy named waseem in 2016. I sponsored him and took care of him while he was in Seattle. He is a refugee from Gaza and was living in a tent with his Family. He had a deformity and couldn’t walk. He came to Seattle to get treatment. I never knew what life was like for people living in refugee camps or the devastation of poverty. He opened my eyes to what it means for someone to born in a refugee camp with little to no resources. When he left back to Gaza I visited a refugee came in the West Bank and in Jordan. That trip changed me and I started my nonprofit called United in Humanity. Since 2016 we have done a lot of work in the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and in Turkey. Since the war broke out we have been helping as much as we can. UIH sent in food trucks into Gaza, we provide weekly clean water tanks so family can have fresh water in all of Gaza. We have build bathrooms, tents and delivered whatever food that is available. In the West Bank as well we have refurbished homes that were destroyed because of violence or due to poverty, provided food, clothing and basic human necessities. I have been splitting my time from ramallah to seattle giving up the comfortable life in the USA so I can help the people who are in need.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth ride
at all. There is so many obstacles especially due to the fact that I am a single women and my nonprofit organization is primary all volunteers. All donations are for the people and the projects we work on. Also at times it has been challenging to get aid into Gaza with all the restrictions and the lack of aid.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a medical professional who has an amazing career in the USA but my heart is with my work in the Middle East. It is my greatest accomplishment. I love bringing hope and relief to families and people who are struggling. I am known mostly for my charity work of course and I am so proud of it. UIH has feed thousands of refugees provided homes, tents, clean water, food, rebuild homes, and medical care to thousands and thousands of people. It’s hard to see devastation on a daily basis but I am focused and I know I am helping as much as I can. I have my emotional dog named Simba. He gets me through all the devastation and horror I see on my day to day field work.
What’s next?
My goal is to continue to provide more aid and assistance to refugees all over the Middle East, aid in Gaza, and as well help in the West Bank. It is a very difficult time and people are struggling and not able to find basic human necessities. The time to help is now
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Fatimahawad7 @unitedinhumanity22
