Our member Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA) hosted Eurodiaconia’s delegation for an insightful study visit to their headquarters and Support Centre for Ukrainian refugees in Budapest on November 6, 2024.
Founded in 1991, HIA is one of Hungary’s largest and most recognized charity organizations, renowned for its impactful humanitarian and development efforts. During discussions with the International Programs and the Social Department team in Budapest, Eurodiaconia gained valuable insights into HIA’s extensive work in Hungary and abroad. This visit provided an excellent platform to explore opportunities for strengthening cooperation across Europe.
Fighting Poverty in Hungary
With over 100 social services offered through 27 regional centers, HIA supports Hungary’s most disadvantaged regions, particularly in the northeast and south. Their wide-ranging programs include crisis telephone services for abuse survivors, developmental initiatives for children, transitional homes for families, and support for those facing substance or digital addiction.
Child development is a cornerstone of HIA’s mission. The organization identifies children in need and provides tailored interventions, including after-school programs, extracurricular activities, and parental support initiatives, to foster stable, nurturing environments. HIA also operates the EU-supported Catch-Up program, empowering Roma communities through education, long-term engagement, and collaboration. Active in 15 settlements with plans to expand to 26, the program is grounded in a holistic and tailored approach that emphasizes collaboration, gradual progress and long-term engagement with the communities.
Additionally, their Roma Role Model Program inspires young people by showcasing individuals from Roma backgrounds who have overcome systemic barriers through education and determination, spreading a message of hope and empowerment. For families facing housing insecurity, HIA provides transitional homes offering temporary accommodation and a supportive environment. They also run Sure Start Children’s Homes, delivering early childhood education and tailored support for mothers.
HIA’s labour market initiatives prepare participants for employment by addressing social and economic challenges, equipping them with the skills and experience needed for self-reliance. Additionally, HIA operates Hungary’s national crisis hotline and shelters for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Their addiction support programs tackle substance abuse, gambling, and digital dependency, ensuring comprehensive care for individuals rebuilding their lives.
Responding to the Humanitarian Needs Abroad
HIA has taken a leading role in humanitarian efforts abroad, providing assistance especially in countries in Central Asia and the Middle East including Afghanistan and Iraq, but also in Ethiopia and Türkiye, with a focus on resilience-building, protection, and the provision of essential supplies, often carried out in collaboration with local partners. Most recently, they have also coordinated fundraising campaigns to provide relief to severe floodings in Croatia, Italy and Spain.
HIA’s largest response to date has been in Ukraine, where they have supported 738,000 individuals affected by the ongoing conflict. Through four offices in Ukraine, HIA delivers a wide range of services, including shelter, community grants, cash assistance, mental health and psychosocial support, and legal aid. They are committed to long-term support in Ukraine, with a particular focus on child protection and gender-based violence response.
Supporting Ukrainian Refugees in Hungary
In Hungary, HIA has been a leader in supporting Ukrainian refugees since the onset of the crisis. Their Support Centre for Ukrainian refugees in Budapest, established in July 2022, offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to refugees’ needs. Their focus on fostering community and long-term resilience ensures meaningful and sustainable support for refugees in Hungary.
Fekete Daniel / MÖS
Accommodation has been a priority area, with HIA facilitating housing in private apartments, hotels, and other shelters. Since the center’s opening, they have supported 1,800 refugees across 60,000 nights of shelter. Psychological and mental health support includes one-on-one and group therapy sessions, often facilitated by Ukrainian psychologists. The center also provides legal counseling, translation services for health and administrative needs, and cash assistance through a voucher system, ensuring refugees can maintain basic living standards. Additionally, the HIA has adopted a gender violence focus, providing anonymous reporting mechanisms, psychological support and a safe shelter aimed at creating a protective environment for women and raise awareness on the issue.
To help Ukrainian children adapt to their new environment, HIA created a community space in Budapest offering art therapy, developmental sessions, and educational support for those entering Hungary’s school system. In 2024, HIA had so far provided relief items such as food, hygiene kits, and household essentials to over 2,500 individuals. They supported 1,150 families, with 750 remaining active within their communities.
To learn more about Hungarian Interchurch Aid and their impactful work, visit their website here.