Today I want to write a few words about the plans we have with the Ziarno Dobra Association, which is run by Małgorzata Skała. This is a very important topic that concerns the homelessness crisis, but in a completely different dimension. Gosia works with women experiencing homelessness. When we first met, a shared idea of helping connected us. I invite you to read.
Małgosia visited the St. Lazarus Homes. I showed her the entire Home, explained how we work, and discussed the admission criteria and the regulations according to which residents should function. She was pleased that everything is well-organized in our Homes: starting from the admission procedure to the Home, through „start-up” support (purchase of necessary items for the residents, e.g., food, a monthly public transport ticket, obtaining documents (if not available), sometimes purchasing medications and personal hygiene products, providing clothing or footwear), to the cleaning duties for common areas, organizing weekly House Community meetings, or communal prayer according to the Residents' will (optional). These are just some of the aspects that function in our Homes. It is important for our resident to feel valued from the beginning, that we invest in them. We have the task of restoring his full human dignity.
Małgosia was deeply affected by our first meeting. From the very first encounter, we knew why we had met! It was as if kindred spirits had found each other. I had experience working with men at St. Lazarus Homes. Małgosia has experience working with women experiencing homelessness, but there is a need for a Home like St. Lazarus Home to be established for women as well.
It turned out that there are many women living in shelters, abandoned buildings, or warming centers during the winter, who are already employed but cannot become independent because rental costs are so high that even with a job, they are unable to save enough money. Then the idea arises to open the first House of St. Lazarus for women. (The name would probably be different, but for the purposes of this article, I'll call it that). By opening such a House, women could have a safe place to shelter, learn good habits, and, importantly, feel stability and support from the two non-governmental organizations running the House.
We all know perfectly well that opening such a House costs a lot. Therefore, we entered a social innovation competition. Unfortunately, our idea was eliminated, but we are not giving up. We know it's very important for such a House for women to be established. We know these women need to be helped. We see how much they have already achieved on their own, and this attitude needs to be strengthened. After all, how long can a person endure going to work from an empty house? What kind of strong psyche does one need to work and have nothing, just to pay off past debts? These are very significant achievements.
We are currently looking for a suitable house in the vicinity of Świerczewo (Poznań) and Luboń near Poznań. We want the house's location to be close to the existing St. Lazarus Houses for Men. This is for a simple reason: lower commuting costs (e.g., when delivering food as part of the „Caritas Pantry” project). We will be applying for co-financing from Municipal Social Welfare Centers in the municipalities of our female wards' last permanent place of residence. This is very beneficial for them – a grant for the first two months is enough – so that the ladies who have been working for many months do not have to live in vacant properties or shelters, but in a Home. A real Home.
We know that when the time comes to open the House, we'll be able to furnish and prepare it. Since you've reached this point in my rambling, we know that the fate of people experiencing homelessness is not indifferent to you. We know that when we announce a collection for necessary items for the new House for women, you will come to our aid. We know that you will also invite your loved ones and friends. Why? Because you are a person with a big heart.
This House is meant to restore dignity to women. They are to feel like women. They are to feel safe. They are to find joy in being women. They are to feel comfortable. This House is also a place for healing their feminine hearts through various meetings with other women, workshops dedicated to women, to enhance their competencies, and restore their sense of self-worth. After all, a happy woman is one who is treated like a true lady. And that is what we want to achieve.
Do we have the money for all of this? As the president of the "Good Carries On" Foundation, I have to say no. We can barely afford to maintain the St. Lazarus Houses for men. But we're not complaining, we're just acting. We want to take a chance on Gosia because we can't stand by and watch the beauty fade in women experiencing homelessness. We must save that beauty! We are counting on the help of donors, sponsors, companies, and the media. Together we will succeed!
If you want to learn more about homelessness among women in Poznań, if you want to participate in this project for women in any way, if you want to support us financially or materially right now, please contact us.
SUPPORT:
Maciej Białka
President of the Do Good Spreads Foundation
tel. 508 633 850
INFORMATION:
Margaret Rock
President of the Grain of Goodness Association
phone 607 621 848
In the photo: Małgorzata Skała and Maciej Białka during the first meeting at St. Lazarus House No. 3.
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