European Union supports vulnerable families to overcome the energy crisis

The elderly, people with disabilities and families with many children are among those most affected by the energy crisis, which has led to higher prices for heating materials and other products and services that a household needs. Low-income families have more to worry about at this time, especially in anticipation of the 2022-2023 cold season, for which they have to prepare.

Thanks to the project “Supporting together the vulnerable population affected by the energy crisis”, funded by the European Union and implemented by People in Need Moldova, vulnerable families are helped to cope with the energy crisis so that they do not go through these difficulties alone.

At the end of August, 48 vulnerable households in Cotova village, Drochia district, received 250 kg of charcoal briquettes, distributed to each family. This essential support is made possible by the involvement of the “Ilenuța” Public Association from the same locality, which obtained a grant under the project “Supporting together the vulnerable population affected by the energy crisis”. A total of 12 tons of charcoal briquettes were delivered to around 100 people, including the elderly and people with disabilities.

All those who received this aid were very pleased, as it is of real help now, when prices are rising and basic needs have to be covered. For a low-income family, receiving 250 kilos of charcoal briquettes to keep warm in winter means a big saving in their budget.

The “Ilenuța” Public Association is one of 10 non-governmental organisations that received a grant under this project at the end of June. The value of the grants ranges from 180,000 lei to 1 million lei. All the organisations receiving grants aimed to provide direct aid to the most vulnerable households in the North, Centre and South of the country. Particular attention is paid to families in rural areas, where incomes are usually very low, including families who do not receive social aid but whose household situation would require additional support.

The assistance provided by the European Union through this project and thanks to the involvement of local non-governmental organisations, awarded with grants, is varied and corresponds to the needs identified at community level. By the end of February 2023, vulnerable households will receive donations of heating materials, material support, access to social services for disadvantaged people and legal advice for the elderly population.