Providing Relief and Dignity: Stories from Beneficiaries of Cash Assistance

Published: Feb 11, 2026 Reading time: 3 minutes Share:

Life in displacement camps and host communities is not easy. Families forced to leave their homes because of conflict on Cambodia-Thailand border endure overcrowded shelters, limited clean water and toilets, and few opportunities to earn income.

Every day is a struggle, especially for those caring for children, elderly family members, or living with disabilities. We provided cash assistances to 1,500 households, benefiting 7,873 people. The funds were distributed to displaced people, people on the move, and vulnerable local and host communities in Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Battambang, Siem Reap, and Banteay Meanchey. It helped them meet their needs and restore a sense of stability and dignity.

Life in the Camp: Chaem Sokna

Chaem Sokna, from a host community near Chan Si Pagoda Camp, has been living with her family since the fighting began. Before the conflict, she worked in hospitality, welcoming guests and serving drinks.

“Since the conflict began, my life has completely changed. I cannot go to work, and every day is filled with uncertainty. Living and working each day is a struggle, and I constantly worry about how to provide for my family. It feels overwhelming sometimes, but I try to keep going for my loved ones.”

Overcrowding and limited sanitation make daily life exhausting. Despite these hardships, Sokna found hope in the cash assistance we provided. With $100 in cash support, she bought food and medicine for her family, something that would have been nearly impossible otherwise.

“The $100 helped me buy food and medicine, which was a great relief. For a moment, I felt like we could breathe a little and not worry so much about surviving each day. It made our lives a little better and gave me hope that things could improve, even in this difficult situation.”

For Sokna, the assistance allowed her to meet her household’s needs and gave her a semblance of relief. The flexibility of the support let her decide how to best cover her family’s priorities.

Supporting Education and Families with Disabilities: Tang Ni

Mr. Tang Ni, an internally displaced person living with a disability, also benefited from our support. He cares for his grandchildren and faces daily challenges ensuring their well-being.

The cash assistance allowed him to cover his needs while also investing in his grandchildren’s education. Tang Ni bought school supplies, uniforms, and learning materials, ensuring that his grandchildren could attend classes regularly and continue learning despite the challenges of camp life.

“When I received the money, I bought school supplies, uniforms, and learning materials for my grandchildren, as well as food and medicine for our family. I had been worried that they might miss school or go hungry, and this support lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. It gave us hope—and allowed me to feel that I can provide for my family, even with the challenges we face in the camp.”

Even without opportunities to earn income or start a business, the cash provided Tang Ni the flexibility to prioritise his needs—from schooling to nutrition and healthcare—giving his family a small sense of stability in an uncertain situation.

The Impact of Cash Assistance

For many people, cash aid provides hope, reassurance, and dignity. It allows families to make decisions based on their priorities and reduces the stress of daily survival.

“I am thankful for this support. It has helped improve our lives during a very difficult time. It gave me a sense of relief knowing I could provide food, medicine, and other essentials for my family,” Chaem Sokna said.

Through our work, we are providing life-saving cash that restores well-being and supports recovery. Even small amounts, when used to meet urgent needs, can make a significant difference in the daily lives of those affected by conflict.

Sokna and Tang Ni demonstrate how cash assistance brings comfort, relief, and hope, showing that support delivered safely, accessibly, and accountably has a meaningful and tangible impact on people’s lives.

Our cash assistance is funded by the European Union’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and implemented by IOM in partnership with People in Need Cambodia.

Author: Senghorng Sem , Media and Communications Lead

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