In Poznań, we run two Saint Lazarus Houses – homes for people transitioning from homelessness and addiction. Each house has 9 spots. However, there are more people in need than we have space for. It's a difficult decision when a person in need calls me asking if there's a spot in the Saint Lazarus House, because they are about to finish therapy in the addiction treatment ward and have nowhere to go. Through alcohol, he lost everything: family, job, home, car. Finally, finding himself at rock bottom, he decided to turn things around, he wanted to change something in his life. He knows he can't do it alone. So he started with addiction treatment therapy. Alcohol in his life is an addiction, shackles, a demon – whatever you call it, the consequences are tragic. Sitting degraded on the street, in an abandoned building, in the forest, on a stairwell – God knows where else – he finds a spark of hope: maybe this time it will work?! He applies for a referral for therapy, signs up, waits. He has to prepare for this day. To be admitted to the addiction treatment ward (OLU) he must be cleared. And yet, it's not easy. Why did he fall into addiction? There are various reasons. It's not important now. The most important thing is to help this person who is taking further steps towards sobriety. Finally, he finishes therapy and calls me because, as he heard, he can find accommodation here. And he hears on the phone: unfortunately, we don't have any spots. First thought: why did I even try? Where will he go? Pointlessness sets in. Discouragement. Maybe he can go back to his community: to a homeless shelter. But he doesn't want to. He doesn't want to return to places that remind him of alcohol, he doesn't want to return to places where he was hurt and hurt others himself. He doesn't want to meet people he hurt and who hurt him. He doesn't want to meet people he used to drink with. But where is he supposed to go? Another thought: I'll end up back on the streets.
This is one of many situations that can happen when our Houses are bursting at the seams. As of today, we truly have no vacancies. From January to April alone, we turned away 7 people. We don't leave them without information on what they can do. However, will they find the strength to keep searching, to try, to make another effort after their therapy ends, to find a place where they can start their lives anew?
Of course, there are many non-governmental organizations providing aid to people experiencing homelessness. However, I always have a dilemma when I receive another call. Maybe I should take them in, even though we don't have space? After all, there's still the couch in the living room, maybe we can squeeze in a mattress in the hallway? On the other hand, everyone needs a bit of their own space, privacy, a piece of HOME. I've already turned away so many people. Another one called. I couldn't anymore. I agreed. We'll see how it affects the functioning of the entire community. Because, after all, the most important thing is to help a person.
Another question comes to mind: what about opening a third House of Saint Lazarus? Perhaps. It's very necessary, undoubtedly. However, when I think about it, my heart burns, but the doubt related to the costs of opening such a house (rent, deposit, renovation, furnishings) and then its upkeep creeps into my mind again. What is the answer? Fortunately, it's not up to me to make this decision. Only to GOOD GOD. May I hear what He has to say.
Maciej Białka (MB)
President of the Do Good Spreads Foundation
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