Caritas Luxembourg has reported that, since the start of the war, it has been active in Moldova to help people fleeing the war in Ukraine.
This aid is taking several forms, from supplies at the border to the supply of heating, including the purchase of SIM cards, mattresses, sheets, blankets, washing machines and fridges for the reception centres. Caritas Luxembourg has also set up a community centre in Chisinau with Caritas Moldova which welcomes the most vulnerable people. People are welcome so stay there for the night, meals are served there and psychological support is offered to those who are traumatised.
Lately, the action of Caritas Luxembourg in Moldova has experienced new developments due to the fact that a large majority of Ukrainian refugees hosted in Moldova wish to stay in the country while waiting to be able to return home. Thus, Caritas Luxembourg now helps people hosted in the community centres it supports to find a longer-term housing solution. A family reception system has been put in place and a project to refurbish 150 unoccupied housing units (that have remained uninhabited) for some time has just been launched. Through these two schemes, some 200 families will be able to be accommodated.
Finally, Caritas Luxembourg is also currently helping to rehabilitate a second community centre in Balti, Moldova. Caritas Luxembourg supported the setting up of a community kitchen allowing families to prepare their own meals, as well as the renovation of the playground for the many children welcomed. Maintenance work is done by the refugees themselves, who receive financial compensation for their work (“cash for work”).
Moldova is a very poor country; the mobilisation to welcome people fleeing the war in Ukraine is very great, but the means are limited. The help of organisations like Caritas Luxembourg is therefore essential.
Caritas Luxembourg has thanked all individuals, companies, foundations, associations, parishes, institutions and municipalities for their very generous support; without this support, Caritas Luxembourg could not help in Moldova.
For those who wish to continue to help the Ukrainian population, one can make a donation by transfer to the CCPL account IBAN LU34 1111 0000 2020 0000 with the mention "Crisis in Ukraine" or online via www.caritas.lu/faire-un-don.
