Today in Riohacha, a city in northern Colombia being overwhelmed by refugees and migrants caught up in the ongoing crisis, 200 families received cash assistance, and are able to live more dignified lives. Together, with our local partner, Malteser Colombia, the financial aid was given out to some of the most vulnerable.

Those who fled the starvation and oppression in Venezuela do not want to be refugees. Back in their homeland, they had homes, jobs, families and friends. They went out to dinner and had enough money to make a meal for friends. But, as turmoil ensued, and their economy crashed, leaving no food or jobs to survive, they had to flee across the border to neighboring Colombia.

The cash assistance was given to the most vulnerable -people with disabilities, pregnant women, single women and mothers, families with children, and the older population. Many of the recipients were born without being able to hear or speak, and when they received their cash assistance, they waved their hands in the air to thank staff members.

The financial aid can be used for food, hygiene items, transportation, and to call their loved ones back in Venezuela. Some families will combine their allowance to rent a small room, so they can live in a safe place.

In the humanitarian world, cash assistance during emergencies is widely recognized as one of the most significant areas of innovation in humanitarian assistance. It has great potential to meet more needs, more efficiently and more effectively. As human rights and military officials are reporting that some refugees being recruited into Colombia's guerrilla groups, this assistance is needed now more than ever.

PROJECT GALLERY

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