In the last two months, Przemek and Tadeusz have come to the House of Saint Lazarus. Both after an intervention on the street, to which Asia called us. Both usually begged outside the Poznań cathedral. And every time I went there, seeing a humiliated, stinking, frightened man, full of fears and trauma, the first thought that came to my mind was: they won't make it! And they'll go back to the street! Today, I'm ashamed. Yes. Of course, I did what was required of me. Today, I know that when someone calls me and says: we have a homeless person here, he stinks, he's a drunk and a bum, I will reply to that person: I'll take him!
PRZEMEK
It was April 17, 2024. Our friend Asia called us. She asked for help for a homeless person she often met. I went to the scene. Przemek was sitting at the doors of Poznań's Fara church. He was under the influence of alcohol. Mr. Andrzej, who also often met him, and Mr. Bartek, who couldn't ignore someone in need, were watching over him.
After assessing the situation, we called 112. A police car arrived. And in a few minutes! The officers were very understanding. They took care of Przemek very professionally and kindly. An ambulance was called. The paramedics, after assessing the situation, took Przemek to the hospital. We followed the ambulance.
He was taken to the ER. It turned out Przemek had 3.8 per mille (alcohol)! Maybe he'll sober up by tomorrow. When he's cleared from the ER, he'll go to the psychiatric admissions. There, the on-call doctor will decide what's next. Hopefully, Przemek will be admitted to the detoxification or psychiatric ward (he had suicidal thoughts). Thank you to the ER nurses for their care and support. Przemek was admitted to the detoxification ward. Then to the addiction treatment ward. After 8 weeks of treatment, he was housed at the House of St. Lazarus.
Today Przemek is working, paying off his debts, contributing to the household expenses, and earning extra money after hours by cleaning up the construction site. What constantly surprises me about him is his gratitude. And the love flowing from his heart. It turns out Przemek lived on the streets for almost 20 years. It's a miracle he's alive today!
THADDEUS
Exactly on August 26, 2024, Joanna called again. Once more, a homeless person crossed her path. And this time, she couldn't ignore it. She called, and we came (myself and Michał). Unfortunately, Mr. Tadeusz was under the influence of alcohol and smelled very bad. That's probably why many people walked past, not paying attention to him. We didn't call an ambulance because there was no threat to his life (he had 1.6 permille). And again, despite the earlier incident with Przemek, the thought came to mind: this man won't make it. He's not capable of abstaining and going to therapy, let alone work. But I had to do my part. Because everyone should have a chance. Please forgive my disbelief.
We arranged with Mr. Tadeusz that we would pick him up in 4 hours. If he truly wants to accept our help, he won't drink anymore. And so it happened. When we arrived, he only had 0.6 permille. During that time, he didn't drink alcohol, walked a lot, and as he admitted himself, drank a bucket of water. He showed that he wants to accept our help.
We took Mr. Tadeusz in to spend the night with us, on a rollaway bed. On the way, I stopped by House No. 1, where Przemek lives. I knew they knew each other. When Przemek saw Tadeusz in such a state, he greeted him warmly, hugged him, and said: If I could manage it, you can too!
The next day after breakfast, Michał went with Mr. Tadeusz to the bathhouse run by Caritas Poznan. We greatly appreciate the cooperation with Grzegorz Galbierczyk, the head of the warming shelter and bathhouse, and his team. After the hygiene treatments, Mr. Tadeusz has already been moved to our Home. He has his bed, his own corner. But this is just the beginning.
Currently, Tadeusz is waiting for therapy. He is sober, motivated. And again: immense gratitude flowing from his eyes and heart. I can say that I am greatly ashamed that I did not believe, and instead of giving hope and joy that a person was lost and found, that he was dead and alive again, I acted completely the opposite, fulfilling my duties without love.
This is my confession.
I'm going to make amends. If there's someone in your yard, on the street, or near your home who smells bad, is a bum and a drunkard, please call me! I'll take him! I'll wash him, dress him, tend to his wounds, and feed him. And then I'll go on the road with him. Please call: I'll take him!
You too can take Him! YES! Help us maintain our Homes. Because of you, we will be able to continue bringing good to the poorest. Our Homes do not qualify for any subsidies. We must maintain them through donations and contributions from our beneficiaries. Please support our work.
Maciej Białka
President of the Do Good Spreads Foundation
tel. 508 633 850
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