DIGNIFY: Emergency Support for Families on the Move

The DIGNIFY project of Terre des hommes Hellas (Tdh) meets the urgent needs of families who are not entitled to protection because their application for asylum has been granted or rejected or because they are not yet registered in the reception system for asylum seekers. Tdh's action assists people through supermarket vouchers to provide essentials -food, hygiene items, etc. Vouchers are distributed for the purchase of essential goods (food and non-food items, with the exception of electronics, alcohol, and cigarettes/tobacco). Beneficiaries are accepted after referrals from specific partners and upon appointment only. 

Mother and daughter

Furthermore, beneficiaries are offered psychosocial support and, if needed, are referred to specialized services. DIGNIFY applies strict selection criteria to ensure most vulnerable families will be supported. In line with Tdh’s mission, priority is given to families with children who have not yet secured a livelihood, single-parent families, pregnant women or caregivers, and children with chronic health problems. The activities will last from March to the end of summer 2022, covering 150 families. 

Additional Information

  • Terre des hommes cannot and does not intend to replace the Greek state in its obligations towards asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection.
  • Tdh has been supporting families, children, and youth regardless of their nationality with several projects. DIGNIFY targets specific groups that are currently in a state of emergency caused by a lack of access to essential goods and social safety nets following recent ministerial decisions. Tdh will continue to advocate with partners for policy improvements that ensure all refugees and asylum seekers have access to their rights.
  • Cash-based interventions in addition to responding to nutrition needs have the potential to improve health and to support households more effectively, preventing them to resort to harmful coping mechanisms, such as begging or child labor. The option for people to choose and purchase themselves the goods they need is one that dignifies them.
Swiss Solidarity

DIGNIFY: Emergency Support for Families on the Move is co-funded by Swiss Solidarity