Natalia, a refugee from Odesa, and her two children, at the Refugee Accomodation Center in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
© UNHCR/Mark Macdonald
Natalia was on maternity leave from her job as a hairdresser in Odesa, Ukraine, when her world was turned upside down. In February 2022, as the full-scale invasion began, her quiet life with her young son was shattered by the sound of explosions.
“At six in the morning, the bombing and shelling started. By the afternoon, we saw missiles flying in all directions. We were really scared,” she recalls.
With no choice but to flee, Natalia gathered her things and made the difficult journey to Moldova. Crossing the border brought an overwhelming sense of relief.
“As soon as we entered Moldova, everything was so quiet. The city lights glowed in the distance—it was indescribable. We finally felt safe.”
Natalia and her family have found refuge at a Refugee Accommodation Centre (RAC) supported by European Union, UNHCR, and our partners.
The centre provides warmth, security, and essential support to families like hers, especially during the harsh winter months. As part of winterization efforts, the RAC has been rehabilitated and insulated to ensure better protection against the cold.
In addition to safe shelter, Natalia receives cash assistance, which helps her cover basic needs for her children, and she holds Temporary Protection status, ensuring access to essential services.
Life as a refugee remains challenging. She is focused on caring for her newborn while waiting for a kindergarten spot for her eldest. Despite everything, Natalia remains hopeful.
“I miss home so much. But I understand that we need to live on and move forward”, she says.
In early 2022, the Government with UNHCR support established across the country a series of Refugee Accommodation Centres (RACs) to provide free accommodation, food, and services for refugees arriving from Ukraine. The RACS have been rehabilitated and insulated as part of winterization efforts. In addition to continuous protection monitoring, service provision, and general support for its operationalization, Refugee Accommodation Centre #207 is a safe space for refugees.
With the help of UNHCR’s financial assistance program, supported by European Union, this family was able to feel safe away from home.
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