With the support of the US Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), AVSI Foundation developed "Integrados," a four-year project (2020-2024) supporting Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Ecuador.
A holistic approach to well-being and community security
Integrados was implemented with an Adaptive Community Protection approach: by providing temporary and permanent housing, food assistance, job skills training and small business support, medical care, and informational services, the project worked to promote resilience, facilitate integration and prevent gender-based violence, discrimination, and abuse. As a result:
- 14,857 beneficiaries of the Protection component
- 10,258 beneficiaries of the Shelter component
- 1,794 beneficiaries of the Livelihoods component
Today, I feel that my family and I have a safe place to rebuild our lives.
Vida, Integrados beneficiary
Creating safe, dignified spaces and building social cohesion
The shelter component of Integrados provided dignified and safe spaces for displaced individuals. In addition to housing adaptations and improvements 635 homes, the project developed 36 community spaces and 5 shelters that promote integration and social cohesion. As a result, out of 868 beneficiary families of the Housing Units, 63% remained in the improved spaces.
The project improved my environment in every way; not only did it change the appearance of my home, but also our health and happiness. Now, we feel stronger to move forward.
Rosbelis, Integrados beneficiary
Protection: ensuring rights and dignity for migrants and refugees
Through its protection program, Integrados worked to secure migrants’ and refugees’ access to fundamental rights. Project staff intervened to prevent evictions, develop shelter exit strategies, and assist street-dwelling individuals, always working to connect people with the local protection network, usually made up of public and civil society actors who provide legal and material services.
83% of beneficiaries gained knowledge about institutions to turn to in situations of risk.
The project strengthened protection networks by training 56 community leaders from host communities, migrants or refugees' communities.
I've grown a lot in a short time and have goals to achieve; I feel that the future in Ecuador is promising.
Mariana de los Ángeles, Integrados beneficiary
Economic empowerment: pathways to autonomy and self-employment
In its livelihood component, Integrados provided training, tools, and support for migrants and refugees to launch and grow businesses, fostering their economic independence and enabling them to contribute to local development.
- Around 1,794 people received training in entrepreneurship, business management, and financial education.
- The project provided seed capital to 335 businesses, enabling participants to expand their entrepreneurship and contribute to local economies.
- 76% of participants developed a new economic activity, allowing them to support their families and lay the groundwork for a stable future in Ecuador.
Thanks to the project I learn how to structure my business and I received seed capital that allowed me to grow. Today, I continue training to improve.
Tibizay, Integrados beneficiary
A committed team for sustainable impact
With a dedicated multidisciplinary team of social workers, community advocates, and specialists, Integrados implemented sustainable and effective activities alongside communities, enabling beneficiaries and communities to rebuild from within and foster genuine integration.
The Integrados Project in Numbers (2020-2024)
Social Impact
- 21,000 individuals benefited from comprehensive support programs.
- 1,995 individuals received medical care in the health brigade.
- 5,742 individuals participated in the protection brigade to access for information about Human Rights
Safe and Dignified Shelter
- 635 households received housing support, including both temporary and permanent housing solutions.
- 63% of participants reported vocation permanence in their community host.
Protection and Rights Advocacy
- Around 96% of participants received a Cash Based Intervention and prioritized attending their essential needs.
- 56 community leaders from host and migrant communities trained to reinforce protection networks and assist local communities.
- Economic Empowerment and Self-Employment
- 1,794 individuals trained in business skills and financial literacy.
- 335 micro-businesses received seed capital, and 76% of the participants developed a new economic activity to improve their family economy.
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