From Struggles to Recovery: Jerzy’s Journey with Barka
Background in Ireland: Jerzy (59) lived in Ireland for 10 years. Initially worked as a driver but lost his job and driving license due to alcohol addiction. Developed health issues, including problems with his hand. History with PASS: Registered in the PASS system in 2019. Maintained regular contact with us through day centers where […]
My Erasmus+ internship at Barka
During my Erasmus+ internship at Barka, I had the opportunity to engage in a variety of tasks that kept each day dynamic and exciting. One of the highlights of my experience was attending the Housing First conference at Dublin Castle, where I had the privilege of meeting fascinating individuals and expanding my perspective. What made […]
Housing First Europe Hub Conference 2024 in Dublin: Barka Team’s Experience
From November 18 to 20, the Housing First Europe Hub Conference 2024 was held at the Hibernia Conference Centre in Dublin. Our Barka team from Ireland, consisting of Aneta Kubas, Tomasz Flinik, and intern Jewhenija Kolot, had the privilege of attending this impactful event. Housing First represents a progressive and innovative approach to addressing homelessness. […]
Barka’s Role in Strengthening Polish Communities Abroad
From October 4-6, a convention of Polish community organizations, organized by Forum Polonia, took place in Dublin. Barka for Mutual Help’s representative was also invited to participate and proudly presented its mission and activities at the event. The convention began with a ceremony at Mansion House commemorating the 20th anniversary of Poland’s accession to the […]
Success Story: Gintaras’s Journey Home
Gintaras, a man in his 40s from Lithuania, had been working informally in Northern Ireland for several years. After saving some money, he decided to return home to his family in Lithuania. With this plan in mind, he made his way to Dublin, intending to buy a ticket at the airport. Unfortunately, once he arrived, […]
Success Story: Helping Philip Find His Way Home with Barka’s Support
Philip, a 33-year-old man, is one of many individuals struggling with health challenges, often related to mental health, who find themselves feeling unsupported and without options in the UK. Like others in similar situations, Philip had hoped that relocating to Ireland would provide him with immediate medical support, housing, and social assistance. Many believe that […]
Success Story: Radostin’s Journey Back Home
We were first contacted about Radostin by a social worker from Cloverhill Prison. Radostin, a Bulgarian national, had arrived at the facility in poor mental health after wandering the streets of Dublin for over a month. During his time in prison, he received psychiatric support, and as his condition improved, he expressed a strong desire […]
Success Story: Silvian’s Return to Romania
Silvian arrived in Ireland a year ago in search of work, leaving behind his wife and child in Romania. Unfortunately, he experienced a decline in mental health and was admitted to Mater Hospital, where he received treatment. Once his condition improved, Silvian expressed a strong desire to return to Romania to continue his recovery. At […]
Study Visit to Barka NL: Learning from Successful Homelessness Support Initiatives
Between 17th and 20th September 2024, Konrad and Julie from our new Barka Team in Berlin had the pleasure of meeting dedicated Barka employees in the Netherlands. The aim of the study visit was to learn about the work and experiences of scaling the Barka organization in the Netherlands. Julie and Konrad explain: “We were […]
From Homelessness to a Fresh Start: Katarzyna and Bartlomiej’s Journey
Katarzyna and Bartlomiej arrived in Ireland three years ago, from Poland, finding work on farms that provided accommodation. However, three months ago, they lost their jobs and ended up on the streets. They lived in a tent and survived by collecting cans and bottles. Every day, they walked about 10 kilometers searching for recyclables. At […]
Barka’s Visit to The Lighthouse Charity in Dublin
Recently, Barka visited the Lighthouse organization in Dublin. The charity, located at 28 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, is open seven days a week to support those affected by hunger and homelessness. They provide hot, freshly made meals and various other services, including clothing, hygiene supplies, sleeping bags, barbershop services, addiction referrals, and medical assistance. All […]
Community Support in Action: Barka at Little Flower Penny Dinners
Last week, representatives from Barka visited Little Flower Penny Dinners on Meath Street in Dublin 8. Little Flower is an organization with a long-standing tradition of helping those in need by providing hot meals in their dining hall and delivering them to the homes of the sick and elderly (Meals on Wheels). Lunches are available […]
Recent Visits to Organizations Supporting Dublin’s Most Vulnerable Residents
Recently, our foundation’s staff visited two organizations that provide essential assistance to those most in need in Dublin. The Capuchin Day Centre has been serving the poor for over 40 years by providing hot meals (400 breakfasts and 600 dinners Monday – Saturday), distributing food packages and baby products, and offering medical care. Feed Dublin, […]
From Despair to Hope: Andrei’s Journey
Andrei arrived in Ireland two years ago from Bulgaria with the hopes of learning English and earning some money. Over the months, he worked in various places, most recently on a cow farm. Without access to a bank branch, Andy kept his savings with him, which he guarded diligently. Andrei worked alongside two colleagues. One […]
PEOPLE STORIES
We would like o share with you the story of Piotr (with his permission), the man we recently assisted. Once missing, now is happily reunited with his family. We wish him all the best in his life! Piotr had worked as a hairdresser in Dublin for 8 months. After that, with his employer’s permission, he […]
