#IOMThroughTheirEyes

Recognizing that financial support remains a critical need for refugees arriving from Ukraine, IOM has been providing multi-purpose cash assistance to those in need.

"We've always been grateful for every bit of support," shares Alla, a refugee from Ukraine. "But when my husband was diagnosed with cancer, I knew we couldn't afford the prescribed medicines." She learned about IOM's cash-based assistance programme through the Ukrainian community in Budapest and saw it as a lifeline.

Alla and her husband Volodymyr fled the city of Bucha under heavy shelling, bringing only their dog. Their journey eventually brought them to Budapest, where they found a moment of peace.

"Although our hearts are at home, we try to enjoy our time in Budapest and stay optimistic," Volodymyr reflects. "The memory of our beautiful home and family keeps us strong. In the meantime, I'm doing my best to keep my wife and myself hopeful," he adds with a smile.

"I don't even want to imagine what would have happened if we hadn't received IOM's help in time," Alla emphasizes. "The medicine we bought with the program's funds gives us hope," she concludes.

One of IOM’s case workers, Akmaral shares, "Refugees arriving from Ukraine feel a sense of care when we visit them, especially as they share their personal stories with us. These regular visits are vital, allowing us to better understand their unique situations and tailor our assistance accordingly.”

Volodymyr and Alla's story highlights the importance of targeted financial assistance, which can be essential for refugees to meet their most urgent needs.

The Multi-purpose Cash Assistance programme is made available thanks to the generous support of the U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration.