Assistance of refugees at Timisoara Emergency Transit Centre and Support to refugees coming from Ukraine

Project code: PFA-ROU-23141-181571-00

Implementation period: 01.01.2025-31.12.2025

This project is implemented by AIDRom, with support from UNHCR.

 

Beneficiaries: 

• 200 refugees temporarily hosted at the Emergency Transit Centre (ETC) in Timisoara,
• 1,000 displaced Ukrainian refugees and third country nationals coming from Ukraine,
• 300 highly vulnerable refugees.

Project overview:

The goal of this project is to provide comprehensive support for at least 200 refugees at the Emergency Transit Centre (ETC) in Timișoara, 1,000 Ukrainian refugees and third-country nationals across Western Romania (Timișoara, Arad, Oradea), and up to 300 highly vulnerable refugees requiring emergency cash assistance. The project focuses on creating a safe, sustainable environment with services that promote integration, limit marginalization, and reduce vulnerability.

AIDRom collaborates with central and local authorities, including ministries responsible for health, education, labor, internal affairs, child protection, and anti-trafficking efforts. Partnerships with Social Assistance Directorates, recruitment firms, County Labour Agencies, and Chambers of Commerce in Timiș, Arad, and Bihor aim to enhance refugees’ access to the labor market and Romanian society.

As an Ecumenical Association, AIDRom also provides spiritual and material support, fostering holistic integration. Active participation in UNHCR’s Refugee Response Plan coordination meetings allows AIDRom to share its expertise in social integration, psychosocial support, and facilitating access to essential services, contributing significantly to the refugees’ journey toward stability and self-reliance.

 

Outcomes:

Output 1 (100) – Refugees at the ETC benefit from integrated services.

Implemented at the Emergency Transit Centre (ETC) in Timișoara, this chapter of the project is designed to meet the unique needs of approximately 200 displaced individuals. Its primary goals are to facilitate their safe transition, reduce social marginalization, and mitigate risks and vulnerabilities. Managed by AIDRom, the initiative aims to provide specialized support and tailored services that promote community well-being, empowerment, and resilience for all refugees residing at the ETC throughout 2025.

The project focuses on addressing basic needs and offering comprehensive support. Refugees will benefit from shelter provision and maintenance, access to non-food items, and community orientation programs. Medical care and health education will ensure their physical well-being, while psychological support will promote emotional resilience and overall community well-being. The initiative also emphasizes community engagement, enabling refugees to actively participate and provide feedback. Additionally, inclusive educational support will be offered to foster learning opportunities and integration. Through these efforts, the project seeks to create a safe, inclusive environment that empowers individuals and strengthens the community.

Refugees at the ETC benefit from integrated services such as counselling, specialised psyco-social assistance and tailored support, equipping them to rebuild their lives in a new country of resettlement

Output 2 (10C): Persons with specific needs are identified in a timely manner and receive the needed protection services through dedicated programs, including community centers and other community-based support, and referrals to specialized services
By following this objective, the displaced Ukrainians in Western Romania with specific needs receive timely protection and targeted support, gaining stability through access to dedicated programs, assistance, and specialized care tailored to their needs.

The AIDRom Multifunctional Centre in Timișoara, along with facilities in Bihor and Arad counties, will provide comprehensive support to at least 1,000 Ukrainian refugees and third-country nationals displaced by the conflict in Ukraine. These services will include access to social protection systems, mental health and psychosocial support, basic material assistance, cultural and educational events aimed at fostering social cohesion with local communities, and medical counseling. Special attention will be given to vulnerable groups, including individuals facing severe trauma, mental health challenges, or other specific needs due to age, disability, or chronic illnesses. Additional support will focus on facilitating access to national education systems and health programs, leveraging AIDRom’s extensive network of resources.

The project emphasizes swiftly identifying and addressing basic needs while promoting inclusion and reducing social exclusion risks. Services will adapt continuously based on ongoing needs assessments conducted across Timiș, Arad, and Bihor counties. Collaborations with public institutions and authorities, such as the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and Child Protection Directorates, will ensure targeted and effective interventions.

AIDRom will provide specialized counseling, assistance in accessing social protection systems, and information on labor laws and refugees’ rights. Outreach activities will engage refugee communities in smaller areas beyond major cities like Timișoara, Arad, and Oradea. Mental health and psychosocial support will be delivered through well-being sessions, alongside cultural and educational events to strengthen community bonds. Medical counseling and awareness sessions will address health-related needs.

Regular feedback from refugees will guide service improvements and tackle emerging challenges, ensuring the project remains responsive and effective. This comprehensive approach reflects AIDRom’s commitment to fostering resilience and inclusion within the refugee population.

Output 3 (10 E): Cash assistance is available to cover urgent protection, livelihoods and basic need
3. Vulnerable refugees achieve stability during moments of acute distres. to overcome exceptional vulnerability situations with cash assistance that helps cover essential protection, livelihoods and basic need, ensuring their dignity and relief.
In locations including Bucharest, Timișoara, Galați, and Iași, rapid support will be provided to households experiencing sudden changes in their protection situation. Cash assistance will be allocated to refugees facing exceptional and potentially catastrophic vulnerabilities. These situations may include the death of a family member, accidents, extreme crises, forced evictions, or any other unforeseen events that could significantly impact their well-being.

The aim is to address these urgent needs swiftly, offering relief and stability to individuals during moments of acute distress. This targeted approach ensures that assistance reaches those most in need, helping them navigate sudden challenges and minimize the long-term impact on their lives..