last resort

As I was thinking about how to briefly explain why Fundacja Dobro się Niesie should continue to exist, I thought about the mission we’re carrying out—and more specifically, about the people experiencing homelessness who come to us for help. And that’s how this article came to be. Please read on.

Sebastian has been with us the longest. Today, he is House Manager #1. He came to us from the hospital over 2 years ago. I remember that from the beginning, he stood out for his hard work. But he wanted to find a job he knew and enjoyed. And in a short time, he took such a job. Unfortunately, after a few months, the time for alcohol cravings came. He relapsed. But he didn't give up fighting for himself. He went back to therapy in an inpatient unit. After.

When asked why he wants to be at the House of St. Lazarus, Sebastian often replies: „Because it's a safe place. Because here I feel alive. I've gotten used to these people. I received help. Now I want to help others.”.

Marcin also lived in the House of Saint Lazarus. At first, it was difficult to get used to the rules and routines. But over time, Marcin began to integrate into the community of the House. After completing his therapy, he worked in several companies. He changed jobs. Finally, he found his place for a longer period. He began to pay off his financial debts. One day, the police stopped him on the street, and he was taken into custody. It was about some old matters. Good people paid his bail. Marcin did not relapse into drinking. He did not give up fighting for himself. When we opened the third House of Saint Lazarus, he became the House Manager there. Today, he is no longer with us in the House – he has become independent. He rents an apartment and works. He reconnected with his parents. He tries to maintain a good relationship with his son. Marcin visits the Houses of Saint Lazarus. He remembers us.

When asked what he received at the House of St. Lazarus, he usually answers: „Above all, I found myself and the Lord God – and isn't that all I need to be happy.”.

The second Marcin from House No. 3 has already undergone lengthy therapy. He spent almost a year in therapy at the MONAR center. He knows perfectly well what he is ill with. He knows stress management techniques and can control his emotions. He is an excellent organizer. That's why he replaced Marcin as the House Manager of St. Lazarus House No. 3. He talks a lot with the residents. I could say he's a bit of an experiential therapist. He is hardworking and responsible. He has a great relationship with his daughter. Before he came to us, he wasted many years of his life. Today, he is rebuilding them.

When asked what he values most about the House of Saint Lazarus, he answers: „the willingness to help, the opportunity that the Foundation provides.”.

I could also mention Grzegorz, a great carpenter, who comes from the Tricity area. Grzesiu often told me that the Foundation's employees were his family. That touched me deeply. I know what his family situation is like. There's no option of returning there. Despite this, Grzegorz doesn't give up. He treats the St. Lazarus Home as his own.

Stanisław, Krzysztof, Janusz, Tomek, Mateusz, Przemek, Leszek, Jacek, Michał, Roman, Patryk, Mariusz, Łukasz, Wojtek, Remigiusz, Paweł, Robert, Tadeusz, Bartosz, Damian, Ryszard – these are some of our charges who are fighting for their lives in our Homes. They are not anonymous people. They are not just charges. Why? Because we build relationships. Relationships that make you want more than just sobriety. A relationship always motivates action. Sometimes, when alcohol cravings appear, a relationship is often the last resort.

Will the Houses of Saint Lazarus continue to exist?

We are doing everything we can to make that happen. Today, we have 30 clients for 42 spots. Currently, 5 people are in therapy, and others are calling us for help (while writing this article, I had another call from a woman who wants to help her cousin). We often work overtime: 1.5 full-time positions (Maciej full-time, Iza half-time) for so many clients is definitely not enough. But we are not giving up! We know that we are often the last hope for our clients. And the last hope for the Foundation is you, dear reader, because with your help, both material and spiritual, and as a volunteer, we will be able to maintain our mission. Will you help?

Maciej Białka

President of the Do Good Spreads Foundation