EU Support: A social laundry opens in Zubrești, Strășeni district

On 30 January 2025, the residents of Zubrești, Strășeni district, celebrated the inauguration of the “Social Laundry, Personal Hygiene, and Socialisation Service.” This project was made possible with financial support from the European Union and local public authorities. It aims to provide free access to essential hygiene services while fostering social inclusion through interactive activities for all community members, including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

The new social laundry was set up in a space provided by the local mayor’s office. Following a complete renovation, the facility was equipped with modern washing and drying machines, a bathroom, and a social room. Here, the elderly, families with children, and people with disabilities can benefit from hygiene services in a clean and welcoming environment, while also engaging in various social activities designed for all age groups.

“Before, doing the laundry was a real challenge for me. Now, I can wash my clothes easily, and more importantly, I get to socialise with others and feel more connected to our community. I’m happy that children and women also have the chance to take part in these activities and interact with each other,” shared Maria, a local resident.

The project was made possible through financial support from the European Union, in close cooperation with the Zubrea Hometown Association, local authorities, and the entire community. The EU contributed over €31,000, the local mayor’s office 96,000 MDL, and the community raised 14,400 MDL in donations—demonstrating strong solidarity and civic engagement in impactful social initiatives. Once the project is completed, the mayor’s office will take over the management of the laundry, ensuring its continued operation.

“The European Union will continue to support such projects that improve the lives of those in need and help build stronger, more united communities. We are pleased to see that our support has been maximised through the active involvement of the community and local authorities. We will remain by the side of Moldovan citizens and continue to back initiatives that promote social inclusion and the well-being of the most vulnerable,” stated Irina Beșliu, Programme Manager at the Delegation of the European Union to Moldova.

The Zubrești service is part of a larger EU-funded initiative that supports the development of 16 similar social services across Moldova. To date, 11 localities have opened social laundries, already benefiting over 1,500 people in need.

“The success of this project proves the power of collaboration and community engagement in making a real difference in the lives of the most vulnerable. We encourage all Moldovan communities to follow Zubrești’s example and develop similar initiatives to build a more equitable and inclusive society,” said Svetlana Hangan, Programme Director at Keystone Moldova.

The “Empowering CSOs as Partners in Developing Resilient Social Services” project is funded by the European Union, co-financed and implemented by a consortium of three civil society organisations: Keystone Moldova, Dorcas Moldova Foundation, and the Neoumanist Education Association.

Within the project, regional CSOs, in partnership with local public authorities, will establish and develop at least 16 social services in 16 communities, dedicated to vulnerable individuals.

As a result of the project’s implementation, over 1,500 people in need — including low-income individuals, the unemployed, pensioners, single-parent families, and the homeless — will benefit free of charge from laundry, personal hygiene, and socialisation services provided by the Social Laundry.