Social Laundry and Personal Hygiene Center Opened in Leova with EU Support
A Social Laundry and Personal Hygiene Center have been officially opened in Leova. The initiative is part of a joint effort by the European Union and the Government of the Republic of Moldova to address people’s urgent social needs.
In the newly renovated and fully equipped place, elderly people living alone, persons with disabilities, vulnerable families, and low-income individuals will be able to wash their clothes free of charge. Beneficiaries will also have the opportunity to socialize and receive support, feeling part of the community.
The inauguration event brought together representatives of the European Union, local authorities, civil society organizations, and community members.
“The European Union will continue to stand by the Republic of Moldova on its path toward European integration. We invest in such social projects because they improve people’s lives and bring Europe closer to every member of the community. Europe is a place where every person is respected, and access to basic things — such as hygiene and dignity — is a right for all. The Social Laundry in Leova is clear proof that European values can come to life here, in the Republic of Moldova,” said Martina Spernbauer, Team Leader, Cooperation Section, EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova.
The total budget of the project is EUR 39,910, of which EUR 27,075 was funded by the European Union, EUR 11,000 by Leova Municipality, and EUR 1,835 by the NGO “Social Partnership.” The laundry is equipped with modern facilities: several high-performance washing machines, dryers, sinks, showers, as well as furniture for the beneficiaries’ comfort. Community volunteers were involved in setting up the space, helping create a welcoming and functional environment.
“We thank the European Union for its financial support. We want this service to become a nucleus of local solidarity, a space where people find not only decent hygiene conditions but also respect, support, and self-confidence. It is proof that when public authorities and civil society work together, the whole community benefits,” emphasized Alexandru Bujorean, Mayor of Leova.
The Social Laundry was developed by the NGO “Social Partnership” in cooperation with Leova Municipality, within the project “Promoting CSOs as partners in developing resilient social services,” funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium consisting of Keystone Moldova, Dorcas Foundation-Moldova, and the Association for Education “Neoumanist.”
“The inauguration of this social service carries important symbolic meaning — it is proof that European values of solidarity and inclusion can come to life at the local level. In Leova, this project means not only access to hygiene but also recognition of every person’s right to dignity and respect. We are proud to be part of this process and to support the community in its efforts to build sustainable social services,” said Svetlana Hangan, Project Director, Keystone Moldova.
So far, 16 social laundries have been launched across different localities in the Republic of Moldova under the project, already benefiting more than 1,500 people.
Context
The project “Promoting CSOs as partners in developing resilient social services” is funded by the European Union, co-funded and implemented by a consortium of three civil society organizations: Keystone Moldova, Dorcas Foundation-Moldova, and the Association for Education “Neoumanist.” Within the project, regional CSOs, in partnership with local public authorities, are expected to create and develop at least 16 social services in 16 communities (social laundry, personal hygiene and socialization services), dedicated to vulnerable groups.
As a result, more than 1,500 people facing socio-economic difficulties (low-income persons, unemployed, pensioners, single-parent families, and homeless people) will be able to benefit free of charge from the services offered by the Social Laundry (laundry, personal hygiene, and socialization).
