How actions speak louder than words in our homelessness outreach in Moldova

From respected farmer to homelessness in Chisinau

“At night I am filled with tears because of the mess that my life’s become.” 

A well-educated man, Viorel was once a respected farmer in his home village, with a beautiful family. Now he is alone and living on the streets of Chisinau, Moldova.

“My wife died. I had a daughter, but she's gone abroad. I haven’t heard from her in 18 years,” he said.

Homelessness in Chisinau is dangerous and there is little support available. Temperatures can drop to as low as -20C (-4F) in winter, leading to frostbite and even death.

The lack of safety nets in Moldova

Viorel became homeless when his partner drove him out of the apartment they had lived in for nearly 30 years.

“When I came home that day, she’d put all my stuff in bags and threw them out of the window,” he said.

Relationship breakdown, the lack of tenancy rights, job loss: these are all common reasons for homelessness in Moldova, where safety nets are often non-existent.

Benefitting from warm clothing

31% of Moldova’s population now live below the poverty line – and the country’s weak social protection system means that vulnerable people such as Viorel often fail to get the help they need.

In his distress, Viorel began to seek support. Street Mercy – run by Mission Without Borders Moldova in partnership with a local church – provides regular hot meals and warm clothing.

“This is God”: Viorel encounters God’s love in action

Since Viorel began to take part in this project serving the homeless, he has gained strength in his daily struggle for survival.

“Here I am respected. Here I find humanity,” he said. “This hot meal, this care – this is God.”

At the end of the satisfying meal, Nicolae, who runs Street Mercy, reads a Psalm and shares a word of encouragement. 

He said, “The people here either have no one in their lives or have lost contact with relatives.

“When I spend time with them, I encourage them to start working on their problems and find jobs. Things change slowly for them, but every change brings me joy.”

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