ROCKVILLE, Md. - Marylandian -- As violence escalates across the Middle East during the Iran War, the voices of those most affected are often missing from headlines.

Disaster Accountability Project's SmartResponse.org is changing that by connecting journalists and the public directly with community leaders working on the frontlines of the crisis in Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon.

While global coverage focuses on military targets and geopolitical strategy, millions of civilians are navigating a very different reality: displacement, disrupted services, and growing humanitarian need. Through its global network of vetted, locally led organizations, SmartResponse is elevating real-time perspectives from those delivering aid under extraordinary conditions.

"The scale of need is immense and growing by the day," said executive director Ben Smilowitz. "Local organizations are the most efficient and effective. They're on the ground doing everything they can, but they cannot do it alone."

SmartResponse's network includes more than 900 organizations across 70+ countries, many of which are actively responding to crises. These groups are providing food, shelter, medical care, and psychosocial support, often with limited resources and little visibility.

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What leaders on the ground are saying

Lebanon: 'The situation is rapidly deteriorating'

"Communities are facing shortages of safe shelter, clean water, food, and medical support," said Marie Therese Merhej Seif of Human Environmental Association for Development (HEAD) (https://www.smartresponse.org/organization/759). The most vulnerable — women, children, and the elderly — are being hit hardest."

Urgent needs:

• Emergency support for displaced families
• Temporary shelter and essential supplies
• Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services
• Resources to address environmental and health risks
• Support for community-based coordination efforts

Iraq: Supporting Displaced Families and Children Amid Ongoing Crisis

Organizations are delivering immediate aid while also supporting long-term recovery for families impacted by regional conflict.

"We are providing psychological first aid, health services, and education support to children whose lives have been disrupted by the crisis," said Ayad Saleh, Executive Director of the Iraqi Institution for Development (IID) (https://www.smartresponse.org/org-location/920/105).

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Urgent needs:

• Financial and in-kind support (food, essential supplies)
• Expanded resources for mental health and education services
• Sustained funding to continue and scale response efforts

Jordan: "We live with the constant threat of what comes next"

Even in areas not directly targeted, the psychological toll and disruption are severe.

"We sleep and wake to the sound of planes and explosions overhead," said Tarik Al Subaei, Executive Director of Jordanian Society Of Friends Of Heritage (https://www.smartresponse.org/org-location/689/111). Our activities are nearly suspended. At any moment, we fear loss — of life, of safety, of stability."

Urgent needs:

• Immediate financial and operational support
• Partnerships to sustain local response efforts during prolonged instability

How to help

To access verified organizations, real-time updates, and ways to support frontline responders, visit SmartResponse.org.