Cash assistance helps Ukrainian refugees in Moldova meet their needs in dignity
May 31, 2022 News

Cash assistance helps Ukrainian refugees in Moldova meet their needs in dignity

Caritas Czech Republic started the first phase of EU-funded cash assistance distributions to vulnerable refugees from Ukraine who are housed in the Dubasari, Straseni, Comrat, Ceadir-Lunga and Vulcanesti regions of Moldova. The first families, sheltered in Straseni and Dubasari districts, received financial support in the amount of 2,200 lei  (around EUR 112) per family member. This aid will help them meet their basic needs, restore a sense of normalcy and become more resilient.

A small support with significant impact

Ludmila from Odessa is accommodated in Comrat city. At the age of 82, the war forced her to flee her house with nearly nothing and take refuge in Moldova.Born in 1940, Ludmila went through another war when she was a child: "Now I'm living the second war of my life ... I know firsthand what it means to flee your country and leave everything behind."

Ludmila  is going to receive cash support soon

Ludmila  is going to receive cash support: "With this money, I will buy medicine. I really need it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this support!” she told us.

Svetlana Cacicovscaia and her two children, aged 12 and 17, have been living in a house offered by the local community in Vorniceni in Straseni district for 3 months now. She never regrets that they chose Moldova to find refuge: “I have never seen so much involvement in my life – the state, the non-governmental organizations, ordinary people - they all jumped to help us as soon as we passed customs.

Svetlana's family was pleasantly surprised when she found out about the cash assistance, funded by EU humanitarian aid and delivered through Caritas Czech Republic: “The application process was simple and quick and didn’t take more than 5 minutes.

Svetlana Cacicovscaia and her two children, aged 12 and 17

Recently, Svetlana received the cash assistance and was very happy to regain her sense of financial independence and normalcy: "When I received the money, I went shopping with my family, as we used to do at home in Odessa in peacetime."

A simplified process to help refugees quickly

Caritas Czech Republic adopted a simplified and convenient way for the vulnerable people to get their money  without many bureaucratic procedures and hurdles.

"We have worked intensively with central and local authorities to ensure that Ukrainian refugees receive the financial support they so desperately need in a quick and simplified manner," said Cristina Rogojina, project coordinator.

"Transferring money through post offices has proven to be the most efficient way to support vulnerable refugees. This way, they receive money swift and can meet basic needs in a dignified and responsible manner, while indirectly supporting the local economy,” explained Vasile Vasiliev, Country Director for Caritas Czech Republic in Moldova.

How  does it work?

The cash assistance provided in Moldova is closely coordinated with the humanitarian community and the Government. This will ensure that cash grants are distributed efficiently and without duplication. The aid is intended for Ukrainian vulnerable refugees such as pregnant and single women, families with two or more children, people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and the elderly.

Eligible persons must be registered in advance by regional Caritas Czech Republic’s operators from Dubasari, Straseni and ATU Gagauzia regions.

More than 15 thousand eligible refugees in Moldova will receive an SMS after which they can retrieve the cash assistance from  post office within 10 calendar days.

Cash support assistance is part of the activities caried out within "Emergency aid for vulnerable refugees from Ukraine in Moldova" funded by European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid. 

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