Support to Life Association (Hayata Destek Derneği)

The proposed digital transformation project will operationalize a mobile-enabled cash-assistance distribution mechanism to address the basic needs of disaster-affected communities.

Support to Life Association (Hayata Destek Derneği)

Year founded
2005

Location
Istanbul, Turkey

Sector
Emergency Response, Livelihood, Protection, Education, Seasonal Agricultural

Stage
Idea Stage

Members

Asli Silahdaroglu

Asli Silahdaroglu

MEAL Manager

Cenk Sönmez

Cenk Sönmez

Information Management Officer

Elif Karausta

Elif Karausta

IT Officer

Fatih Kıyman

Fatih Kıyman

Project Development Manager

The challenge

Distribution of in-kind assistance (food, consumables, etc.) in post-disaster settings comes with a set of challenges. In-kind assistance is a form of aid that is logistically challenging, requires a careful and rapid assessment of needs, and does not allow the beneficiaries to prioritize and choose based on their household’s immediate needs. Support to Life has responded to two post-disaster situations in 2020: Elazig and Izmir Earthquakes. In both cases, stockpiles overflowed with goods shipped in by corporations and citizens, which were partially relevant for the ground’s needs. This affects both local communities and businesses. While communities hardly receive in-kind assistance that is rightly matched their needs, businesses lose income due to the steady inflow of goods that could be provided to the right community.

The solution

Our solution is to create an e-cash payment system that does not:

  • impose restrictive compliance measures on local shops/businesses
  • require ‘tech-savvy’ shops/community members
  • require internet connectivity. 

It is an e-cash payment system that enables:

  • cash-delivery in the immediate aftermath of the disaster
  • affected communities to be prioritized based on their needs
  • support for the local economy.