Day 1
To understand what Ukrainian refugees need most and how we can help, Samaritas representative Mihaila Mitrofan went on a humanitarian mission to Ukraine in May 2022. What she found was many local people volunteering their time and resources to help refugees find shelter, essential medications, and resources, as well as refugees volunteering their own time. Still, local organizations were struggling to keep up with the number of vulnerable people fleeing ongoing combat. Mitrofan brought her findings to Samaritas so we could best support the refugees arriving in Michigan, and help overseas with what is needed most.
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Samaritas representative (Mihaela Mitrofan) started the mission in Romania with a series of pre-scheduled meetings with dignitaries. First, she met with representatives of the US Department of State, Populations, Refugees and Migration, followed by a meeting with Mr. Ben-Oni Ardelean, Deputy in the Romanian Parliament, NATO General Assembly Member and Honorary Council of External Affairs. She then had the honor to meet Dr. Andrei Baciu, Secretary of State for the Ministry of Health, followed by a meeting with Daciana Sarbu, former member of the European Parliament and wife of former Prime Minister, Victor Ponta. The scope of these meetings was to learn more about the work already in progress at different levels, as well as to ensure continuity of care for the group of children arriving from Ukraine.
The most impactful part of the day was the last event which was touring the North Railway Station where Ukrainian refugees arrive by train. The processing center is very organized, and includes a medical tent with two ambulances immediately available upon arrival for those with urgent medical needs. Previous waiting areas and lobbies are repurposed for humanitarian needs and are now designated for mothers with children as well as families.
The operation is staffed by employees from different departments and volunteers who distribute toiletries, clothing, and World Kitchen provides hot meals and other basic needs donations. Some volunteers are refugees themselves who also provide interpretation. There are explicit signs in visible areas, in Romanian, Ukrainian and English language. Staff mentioned that refugee arrivals dropped from 1,200 -1,500 to 300 - 400 daily. Refugees are usually processed in a few hours after which the fire department takes them to designated centers and host families who provide room and board. It is heartbreaking to see families traveling with children and pets, bringing with them not more than a plastic bag or a small suitcase, but the welcoming spirit of the Romanian people and the organized system in which the newcomers are safe and taken care of is encouraging.
The refugee crisis in Ukraine is far from over. There are many ways to help refugees in your neighborhood, from monetary support to volunteering your time. Support Ukrainian Refugees in Michigan.