ANNUAL MONITORING REPORT 2024 ON THE WORK OF BARKA FOR MUTUAL HELP IRELAND WITH CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPEAN MIGRANTS IN DUBLIN

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BARKA IE: Helping People Reconnect and Reintegrate

Introduction

BARKA IE is a charitable organization based in Dublin, dedicated to assisting individuals experiencing homelessness.

Established in 2011, BARKA IE is a part of the global BARKA Network, which has branches in the UK, Netherlands, Belgium, and Iceland, with its origins in Poland. The organization was founded in response to the rising number of Central and Eastern European migrants living on the streets of Ireland, struggling with homelessness and substance abuse.

Mission and Approach

BARKA IE aims to provide sustainable solutions for people experiencing homelessness. The organization primarily focuses on helping individuals reconnect with their home countries and socially reintegrate. This is facilitated through the extensive support network provided by the Barka Foundation Network in Poland, which offers opportunities for individuals to reunite with their families or receive help for addiction problems

Services Provided

BARKA IE offers a range of services designed to support people in overcoming homelessness:

  • Reconnection and Reintegration Programs: Through the Barka Foundation Network in Poland, individuals can return to their families or receive assistance in addressing addiction issues.

  • Personalized Support: BARKA IE’s migrant support projects are delivered by teams consisting of a leader and a social assistant, ensuring personalized and effective assistance.

BARKA IE IN NUMBERS

TOTAL NUMBER OF RECONNECTIONS

2024:

137 PERSONS

TOTAL NUMBER OF RECONNECTIONS

SINCE ESTABLISHMENT:

1137 PERSONS

Reconnections

Between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, BARKA Ireland reconnected 137 individuals with their home countries.

The demographic breakdown is as follows:

108 men
28 women
14 children

Including 8 families

BARKA Ireland’s reconnection efforts between January and December 2024 focused on reconnecting adult men, who made up the vast majority of the reconnected individuals. While fewer women and children were involved, the presence of families highlights the diverse needs of the people BARKA supports. The organization’s commitment to reuniting individuals with their families is a vital aspect of its strategy, ensuring not only physical relocation but also emotional and social support through familial ties.

  1. Nationality

    The participants came from a wide range of Central and Eastern European countries, as well as neighboring regions. Below is the distribution:

Country of origin

Total

Percentage

Romania

31

23%

Poland

31

23%

UK

10

7%

Slovakia

8

5%

Hungary

8

6%

Lithuania

7

6%

Bulgaria

12

9%

Ukraine

6

4%

Czech Rep

5

3%

Latvia

2

1%

Netherlands

2

1%

Croatia

2

1%

Sweden

2

1%

Croatia, Cyprus, France, Mongolia, Northern Ireland, Italy, Finland

5

10%

TOTAL

137

100%

BARKA Ireland supported with reconnections individuals from 18 different nationalities, highlighting the organization’s broad reach and capability to assist a diverse range of clients.

The data highlights that the largest national groups are Romanians and Poles, each representing 23% of the total beneficiaries, making up nearly half of all individuals combined. Significant groups also include Bulgarians (9%) and UK nationals (7%), followed by smaller but notable groups such as Slovaks, Hungarians, and Lithuanians (5-6% each).

This indicates that a substantial portion of the individuals BARKA Ireland assists are from Eastern European countries.

  1. Destination

In 2024, BARKA Ireland facilitated the reconnection of 137 individuals to various destinations. The breakdown of these reconnection destinations is as follows:

Reconnection destination

Number of reconnections

Family in the country of origin

99

To BARKA/ another organization/another country

38

99 out of 137 individuals (72%) were reconnected with their families in their home countries. This high percentage indicates that the primary focus and success of BARKA Ireland’s reconnection efforts lie in reuniting individuals with their familial support networks, which is crucial for their social and emotional reintegration.

4 individuals (3%) were reconnected to BARKA facilities in Poland. While most reconnections are to family, BARKA Ireland also caters to those who need to connect with institutional support, highlighting their flexible and comprehensive approach.

BARKA’s team directly assisted 8 individuals during their flights to their home countries and BARKA facilities in Poland. This hands-on support ensures that individuals safely reach their destinations and are directly handed over to support systems, increasing the likelihood of successful reintegration.

BARKA’s team also supported 32 individuals in obtaining passports, which are essential for: travel, employment, social welfare, and emergency accommodation.

BARKA Ireland’s comprehensive support extends beyond just reconnection, demonstrating a robust approach to addressing homelessness. By reuniting 72% of individuals with their families and providing vital assistance with travel and identification documents, BARKA ensures that individuals are well-prepared for successful reintegration into society. The organization’s efforts to provide direct assistance during travel and help obtain necessary documents further highlight its commitment to supporting homeless individuals in multiple aspects of their lives.

  1. Situation of reconnected persons

Accommodation status

The accommodation situation of the 137 individuals reconnected by BARKA Ireland during the year 2024, reflects the severe challenges faced by the homeless population. The distribution of their accommodation status before reconnection is as follows:

Accommodation

Total

Percentage

Rough/tent/car/airport/Garda station

80

59%

Friend’s couch

20

14%

Hostels

20

14%

Hospital

8

6%

Prison

8

6%

Rented accomodation/ HAP/social housing

1

1%

The data on accommodation highlights the critical challenges faced by individuals supported by Barka’s Relocations Project. The majority (59%) are living in extremely precarious conditions, such as rough sleeping, tents, cars, airports, or Garda stations, underscoring the urgent need for immediate intervention. A smaller portion (14%) rely on temporary arrangements like staying on a friend’s couch, while another 14% are housed in hostels, indicating short-term solutions that lack stability. Hospital and prison accommodations each account for 6%, reflecting the intersection of homelessness with health and legal issues. Notably, only 1% have access to secure housing, such as rented accommodation or social housing, highlighting the critical shortage of sustainable housing options.

4. Gender distribution

Gender

Total

Percentage

Male

109

79%

Female

28

21%

The gender distribution within the Barka Relocations Project reveals a significant disparity, with men comprising 79% of the total population and women only 21%. This indicates that homelessness and precarious living situations disproportionately affect men, potentially reflecting broader societal trends such as labor migration, unemployment, or limited access to support networks for men. However, the presence of women (21%) highlights the need for gender-sensitive interventions, as their challenges may differ, requiring tailored support, particularly for those who might face additional vulnerabilities such as family separation or domestic abuse. The data emphasizes the importance of addressing the unique needs of both genders within the program.

5. Referrals

Institution/Organization

Total

Capuchin Day Centre

40

MQI

28

Church

14

Focus Family Services/Focus Coffee shop

12

Hostels/HSE /DRHE

11

Simon Outreach Team

4

Cairdea

4

Garda/Airport Police/ITAS

3

Homeless people /Internet

4

St Vincent’s/Mater Hospital/Beaumont Hospital

7

Prisons

8

Private person

2

Total

137

The data underscores the importance of strong partnerships and referral-based collaboration in the success of Barka’s Relocations Project. The largest number of referrals comes from the Capuchin Day Centre (40) and Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI) (28), highlighting these organizations as key allies in identifying and supporting individuals in need. Referrals from churches (14) and Focus Family Services/Focus Coffee Shop (12) further demonstrate the valuable role of community and faith-based organizations in reaching vulnerable populations.

The involvement of hostels, HSE, and DRHE (11), hospitals (7), and prisons (8) points to the critical connection between health, housing, and justice systems in addressing homelessness. Contributions from smaller entities such as the Simon Outreach Team, Cairdeas, and Garda/Airport Police/ITAS emphasize the broad network required for comprehensive support. Referrals from private individuals and self-referrals via the Internet (4) highlight the need for further public awareness of the project.

SUCCESS STORIES

From Struggles to Recovery: Jerzy’s Journey with Barka

  1. 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.

  2. History with PASS:

    • Registered in the PASS system in 2019.

    • Maintained regular contact with us through day centers where he came for meals and city squares where he spent time drinking with friends.

  3. Living Conditions:

    • At 54 years old, he received disability benefits and a place in a hostel.

    • Although he slept in the hostel, he spent his days drinking in public spaces with his peers.

  4. Deteriorating Health:

    • Over time, his health visibly worsened.

    • Struggled with stiffness in his joints and had difficulty walking.

    • His appearance became increasingly concerning.

  5. Encouragement to Return:

    • We continuously motivated Jerzy to return to Poland for proper support.

    • After much persuasion, he agreed, on the condition that we accompany him.

  6. Preparations for Return:

    • Secured a place for him at Barka in Poznań.

    • Arranged his travel documents, including a temporary passport, as he had previously lost two passports we helped him obtain.

    • Purchased his flight ticket and traveled with him back to Poland.

  7. Support in Poland:

    • Upon arrival, Jerzy rested for a few days at Barka.

    • Underwent an assessment and was referred to a residential addiction therapy program.

  8. Current Situation:

    • Jerzy remains in touch with us and Barka staff, regularly updating us on his progress.

    • He describes his conditions as “luxurious,” even mentioning a medical bed provided for his comfort.

    • His positive experience has inspired others; a friend is already planning to follow his steps after hearing about Jerzy’s success.

  9. Future Plans:

    • Jerzy is determined to stop drinking and rebuild his life.

    • Once he has achieved sobriety, he plans to reconnect with his family in Poland and work on rebuilding relationships.

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Radostin’s Journey Back Home

Initial Contact:

    • Radostin, a Bulgarian national, was referred to us by a social worker from Cloverhill Prison.

    • He arrived at the prison in poor mental health after wandering Dublin’s streets for over a month.

  2. Support in Prison:

    • While in prison, Radostin received psychiatric care, which improved his mental health.

    • He expressed a strong desire to return to Bulgaria but had a limited memory of how he ended up in Ireland.

  3. Meeting with Barka Staff:

    • Before his court appearance, Radostin met with Barka’s staff to discuss his situation.

    • Given his commitment to returning home, Barka workers purchased a flight for him.

  4. Preparation for Travel:

    • Post-release, Radostin was accompanied to the Bulgarian consulate by the social worker and Barka team to secure his travel document.

    • He was then taken to emergency accommodation for the night, where he received clean clothing and food for the journey.

  5. Assisted Travel:

    • Early the next morning, a Barka staff member collected Radostin from the hostel and escorted him to the airport.

    • Another Barka employee accompanied him on the flight to Sofia.

  6. Reunion and New Beginning:

    • In Sofia, Radostin was reunited with his brother, who had been eagerly awaiting his return.

    • His family expressed deep gratitude for the coordinated effort.

    • Radostin now has the opportunity to recover in a supportive environment with his family, offering hope for a fresh start.

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Silvian’s Return to Romania

  1. Background:

    • Silvian arrived in Ireland a year ago seeking work, leaving behind his wife and child in Romania.

    • He experienced a decline in mental health and was admitted to Mater Hospital for treatment.

    • Once his condition improved, Silvian expressed a strong desire to return to Romania to continue his recovery.

  2. Initial Contact and Planning:

    • A hospital social worker contacted Barka to assist with Silvian’s return.

    • Barka staff met with Silvian and the social worker at the hospital to develop a return plan.

    • The hospital worked with the Romanian consulate to arrange travel documentation, while Barka secured a flight.

  3. Travel Arrangements:

    • Due to Silvian’s condition, it was decided that a Barka staff member would accompany him on the journey.

    • On the travel day, Barka staff member Aneta collected Silvian from the hospital at 4 a.m., and they traveled together to the airport.

  4. Challenges During the Journey:

    • During the flight, Silvian expressed relief at having someone with him for support.

    • Heavy fog caused the flight to be diverted from Cluj to Sibiu Airport, a two-hour drive away.

    • An ambulance was arranged to transport Silvian and Aneta to the hospital in Cluj.

  5. Reunion and Medical Care:

    • At the hospital in Cluj, Silvian was met by his doctor, mother, and brother.

    • His family expressed deep gratitude to Barka for their support in helping Silvian return home.

  6. Post-Return Update:

    • A few days later, Silvian’s mother contacted Barka to express her heartfelt thanks, sharing her immense relief at finding her son after months of searching.

    • Silvian had been discharged from the hospital and was now at home with his family.

  7. Outcome:

    • This reunion allowed Silvian to continue his recovery in a supportive environment surrounded by his loved ones.

    • His family is deeply grateful for the assistance provided by Barka.

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Success Story: Andrei’s Journey

  1. Background:

    • Andrei, a Bulgarian national, arrived in Ireland two years ago to learn English and earn money.

    • He worked in various roles, most recently on a cow farm, and kept his savings with him due to lack of access to banking.

  2. Theft and Crisis:

    • While working alongside two colleagues, one of them stole all of Andrei’s belongings and life savings.

    • Despite reporting the theft to the Garda, the thief was not found.

    • This devastating loss led to Andrei losing his job and accommodation, leaving him to sleep rough.

  3. Referral to Barka:

    • Andrei reached out to Focus Ireland, who referred him to Barka for assistance.

    • Recognizing his immediate needs, Barka arranged for him to spend a night in a hostel, providing him with rest and a chance to shower.

    • Barka also booked a flight for him to return to Bulgaria.

  4. Rebuilding in Bulgaria:

    • Andrei expressed gratitude for the support he received and shared his plans to become a tour guide in Bulgaria, leveraging the English skills he gained in Ireland.

    • He has returned to his mother’s home to recover and rebuild his life.

  5. Outcome and Reflection:

    • Andrei’s story highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of timely intervention in moments of crisis.

    • While his journey in Ireland ended tragically, the combined efforts of Focus Ireland and Barka provided him with the opportunity to start anew.

    • His determination and positive outlook are an inspiration, emphasizing the vital role of community support services in transforming lives during difficult times.

Core objectives

BARKA Ireland is dedicated to addressing homelessness through a multi-faceted approach, focusing on four core objectives:

Provide Information, Advice, and Repatriation: BARKA offers crucial information and advice to individuals and assists with repatriation to their home countries when necessary.

Assistance with Accessing Emergency Accommodation: The organization helps individuals find emergency accommodation, ensuring they have a safe place to stay during crises.

Fostering Social and Vocational Integration: Through educational and community programs, BARKA promotes social and vocational integration. This includes creating workplaces and accessible housing programs as part of the BARKA Network.

Key Work and Case Management: BARKA provides comprehensive case management services, including language and translation support, to help individuals navigate their unique challenges.

The dedication of BARKA’s employees has been crucial in addressing homelessness. Our team works tirelessly to offer both face-to-face and remote support and advice.

Team structure

The success of BARKA IE’s programs is largely due to its unique team structure:

Leaders: Each team includes a leader who has personal experience with homelessness and addiction. These leaders have successfully overcome these challenges through Barka Network’s educational and community programs, providing them with a deep understanding and empathy for the clients they serve.

Social Assistants: Working alongside the leaders are social assistants who are familiar with the languages spoken by the clients and the regulations in Ireland. These assistants typically have formal education in fields such as social work or psychology, enabling them to provide professional and knowledgeable support.

Outreach Efforts

Most contacts are made through outreach work in Dublin’s main squares and shopping centers, where homeless individuals often gather. We collaborate closely with local councils, outreach teams, and day centers, including:

  • Capuchin Day Centre

  • Merchants Quay Ireland

  • Simon Community Outreach Team

  • Focus Ireland

  • The Light House

In addition, social workers in hospitals and prisons frequently liaise with our team to assist clients in these settings.

Remote Support

BARKA’s team also supports individuals over the phone, email, and social media. This ensures we reach those who do not use traditional day support centers, expanding our impact and accessibility

Cooperation with organizations and institutions

ORGANISATION/

INSTITUTION

FREQUENCY

OF CONTACT

TYPE OF COOPERATION

Consulates

As required

Travel documents

Merchants Quay Ireland

1-2 x a week or as required

Facilitate the communication with persons, participating in Intercultural day

Hospitals

As required

Facilitate the communication with patients, cooperation with social assistants

Anonymous Alcoholics

1x a month

Exchanging information, cooperation concerning homeless in poor health condition, putting in touch with homeless people

Capuchins Day Centre

4x a week

Facilitate the communication with persons, accepting referrals

The Lighthouse

2 x a week

Facilitate the communication with persons, accepting referrals

Focus Ireland Family Services

As required

Facilitate the communication with persons, accepting referrals

Prisons/Garda/Airport Police/ITAS

As required

Accepting referrals

HSE, DRHE

As required

Exchanging information, accepting referrals

Dublin Simon Outreach Team

As required

Exchanging information, cooperation concerning homeless sleeping rough, accepting referrals

Cairdea

As required

Exchanging information, cooperation concerning homeless sleeping rough, accepting referrals

Peter McVery Trust

As required

Exchanging information, accepting referrals

Dublin’s streets, main squares

1-2x a day

Daily patrols, contact with a homeless people

From Struggles to Recovery: Jerzy’s Journey with Barka

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  1. 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.
  2. History with PASS:
    • Registered in the PASS system in 2019.
    • Maintained regular contact with us through day centers where he came for meals and city squares where he spent time drinking with friends.
  3. Living Conditions:
    • At 59 years old, he received disability benefits and a place in a hostel.
    • Although he slept in the hostel, he spent his days drinking in public spaces with his peers.
  4. Deteriorating Health:
    • Over time, his health visibly worsened.
    • Struggled with stiffness in his joints and had difficulty walking.
    • His appearance became increasingly concerning.
  5. Encouragement to Return:
    • We continuously motivated Jerzy to return to Poland for proper support.
    • After much persuasion, he agreed, on the condition that we accompany him.
  6. Preparations for Return:
    • Secured a place for him at Barka in Poznań.
    • Arranged his travel documents, including a temporary passport, as he had previously lost two passports we helped him obtain.
    • Purchased his flight ticket and traveled with him back to Poland.
  7. Support in Poland:
    • Upon arrival, Jerzy rested for a few days at Barka.
    • Underwent an assessment and was referred to a residential addiction therapy program.
  8. Current Situation:
    • Jerzy remains in touch with us and Barka staff, regularly updating us on his progress.
    • He describes his conditions as “luxurious,” even mentioning a medical bed provided for his comfort.
    • His positive experience has inspired others; a friend is already planning to follow his steps after hearing about Jerzy’s success.
  9. Future Plans:
    • Jerzy is determined to stop drinking and rebuild his life.
    • Once he has achieved sobriety, he plans to reconnect with his family in Poland and work on rebuilding relationships.

My Erasmus+ internship at Barka

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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 my internship unique was that I was basically working for two different offices
at the same time. While working in the Dublin office, I managed various administrative
tasks. At the same time, I collaborated daily with Julie from the German office via Zoom,
contributing to Barka’s ongoing project in Berlin. This opportunity provided me with
invaluable insights and experience. I am genuinely inspired by the significant impact Barka
makes every day.
The supportive and friendly environment created by my colleagues made my time at Barka
especially enjoyable. I always felt a sense of belonging, thanks to Aneta’s constant
encouragement—even with concerns unrelated to work. This experience has been
incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to reconnecting with everyone in the future.

 

Jewhenija Kolot

Bonn, Gemany

Housing First Europe Hub Conference 2024 in Dublin: Barka Team’s Experience

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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.
Rather than focusing on temporary solutions or other issues such as substance abuse, financial
instability, or other contributing factors, Housing First prioritizes providing homeless individuals
with permanent housing. This approach allows them to shift their focus from meeting basic needs
to pursuing long-term goals such as securing employment or improving their overall quality of life.
Experts and practitioners from across Europe and other continents gathered at the conference to
share best practices, develop strategies, and discuss current challenges and potential solutions.
During the event, we participated in a variety of workshops that provided valuable insights. We
learned how different countries, such as Finland and Denmark address homelessness, reviewed
specific approaches to supporting women and mothers, and heard about the challenges Housing
First organizations face in the reintegration of former prisoners.


One of the most enlightening sessions we attended focused on staff wellbeing. The workshop
underlined the importance of self-care, reminding us that in order to take care of others, we must
first take care of ourselves. We learned how to maintain balance, prevent burnouts, and much
more.
Additionally, we took the opportunity to network with representatives from other organizations,
telling them more about Barka and learning about their work and identifying possibilities for future
collaboration.
Attending this conference was an inspiring experience for our team. We got a lot of valuable
information and are looking forward to applying what we have learned and contributing to ending
homelessness.

 

Jewhenija Kolot

Barka’s Role in Strengthening Polish Communities Abroad

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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 European Union.

Dublin’s Deputy Mayor, Donna Cooney, opened the celebration, expressing pride in Ireland’s longstanding bond with Poland. She highlighted Ireland’s early support of Poland’s EU aspirations and the warm welcome extended to Polish migrants, acknowledging the significant impact Polish communities have had on modern Ireland. She shared a personal story of her grandfather’s close relationships with Poles in London, who was honored with the prestigious “Order of Polonia Restituta” by the Polish government in exile. To underscore this special connection, Cooney brought her grandfather’s medals to the event, adding a symbolic weight to her words.

Eamon O’Riordan, a Labour Party politician and former Minister for New Communities, reflected on the 2015 Ireland-Poland football match at Aviva Stadium as a symbol of the Polish community’s presence in Ireland. He pointed out that Polish is now the second-most spoken language in the country, demonstrating the community’s lasting influence. O’Riordan voiced support for greater representation of Poles in Irish politics and sports and encouraged active participation in the upcoming local elections.

The convention featured four discussion panels:

  • Panel 1: Diversity in the Activities of Polish Organizations in Ireland: Between Professionalization and Volunteering
  • Panel 2: Culture and Identity
  • Panel 3: Civic Engagement and Political Involvement
  • Panel 4: Maintaining Ties with Poland through Education

These discussions facilitated networking, promoted the professionalization of Polish organizations, and deepened collaboration to enhance the representation of Polish interests in Ireland. Participants shared insights into their work, with Teresa Buczkowska recounting her experience as an Obama Scholar, and Marcin Piotrowski discussing his roles as a councilor and the organizer of the Folkowisko Festival and Humanitarian Foundation.

Photo: Forum Polonia

Barka for Mutual Help was proudly represented by Aneta Kubas, who presented our mission and achievements to prominent attendees, including Senator Grzegorz Schetyna and Robert Tyszkiewicz, the Polish Senate’s Coordinator for Polish Diaspora Affairs. This gathering underscored the importance of Barka’s efforts in homelessness prevention and providing essential support to Polish nationals and other vulnerable individuals, ensuring they receive guidance and resources when in need.

 

Success Story: Gintaras’s Journey Home

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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, he realized that he hadn’t fully thought it through – the earliest flight to Lithuania wouldn’t be available for a few days. Left with no choice but to wait in Dublin, he began searching for accommodation.

This led to another unpleasant surprise: accommodation prices in hostels for same-night bookings were all above €200. As he wandered from hostel to hostel hoping for a more affordable option, he met a group of women who struck up a conversation with him. Trusting them, Gintaras ended up buying several rounds of drinks. Eventually, they offered him a place to stay for the night at their rental apartment. They continued drinking together, and at one point, the woman offered him a pill, claiming it would help with his headache. Gintaras woke up the next morning with a pounding headache and an empty wallet – all his savings were gone.

Devastated, he found himself wandering the streets of Dublin with nowhere to turn. He reached out to several aid organizations and was twice given emergency accommodation where he could rest and clean up. But things took a darker turn when, a few days later, he was assaulted and left badly bruised. Desperate and out of options, he approached two organizations seeking help for a return to Lithuania, who then referred him to Barka.

The team at Barka met with Gintaras and, after hearing his story, agreed to help him. They arranged a ticket back to Vilnius, providing him with the practical and emotional support he needed. The Barka staff spent time with Gintaras, listening to his experiences in Ireland and his hopes for the future. A skilled construction worker, he expressed his wish to find work in Lithuania and rebuild his life. The Barka team took him to a pharmacy to purchase the necessary dressings for his injuries and provided him with food for his journey. They then accompanied him to the airport, ensuring he safely passed through security and was on his way home.

Through their compassionate intervention, Barka was instrumental in preventing Gintaras from falling into homelessness on the streets of Dublin. Their support helped him safely return to his family, saving him from further risk and giving him a renewed chance to build a stable life in Lithuania.

Barka’s role in this case highlights their dedication to homelessness prevention and their life-saving assistance for individuals at critical points in their lives.

Success Story: Helping Philip Find His Way Home with Barka’s Support

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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 as British citizens, they are entitled to automatic access to these resources in Ireland.

Upon arriving in Dublin, Philip sought help at one of the local help centres, where he was informed that he would not have immediate access to emergency accommodation or services. After spending five nights on the streets, Philip expressed his desire to return to the UK. The day centre reached out to Barka, who met with Philip to discuss his situation and options.

Exhausted from sleeping rough, Philip shared his struggles with Barka’s team. He admitted he had been battling his mental health issues alone for eight years, refusing treatment, and that he saw Ireland as his last hope. Now, he wanted to return to the UK and consider the support of mental health services there. He expressed his intention to seek treatment at his local hospital upon arrival.

Recognizing Philip’s urgent need for support, Barka’s team quickly arranged a ferry ticket for the same day, ensuring he wouldn’t have to spend another night vulnerable on the streets. Deeply moved by the care and assistance provided, Philip thanked Barka for helping him find a way home.

This story underscores Barka’s crucial role in preventing homelessness and supporting individuals like Philip. By connecting people with the resources they need—whether in Ireland, the UK, or beyond—Barka plays an essential role in guiding individuals back to safety and hope.

Success Story: Radostin’s Journey Back Home

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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 to return to his home country, although he had little memory of how he ended up in Ireland.

The social worker arranged for a meeting between Radostin and Barka staff before his court appearance. Given Radostin’s commitment to returning to Bulgaria, Barka workers purchased a flight for him. After his release from prison, he was accompanied by the social worker and Barka team to the Bulgarian consulate, where they secured his travel document. Following this, they took him to pre-arranged emergency accommodation for the night.

Barka team members provided him with clean clothing and food for the journey. Early the next morning, at 6:30, a Barka staff member collected Radostin from the hostel and traveled with him to the airport, where another Barka employee awaited to accompany him on the flight to Sofia.

Upon arrival in Bulgaria, Radostin was reunited with his brother, who had been eagerly awaiting his return. The family expressed immense gratitude for the coordinated effort that made his safe journey possible. Radostin now has the opportunity to continue his recovery surrounded by family and in familiar surroundings, hopeful for a fresh start back home.

Success Story: Silvian’s Return to Romania

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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 that time, a social worker from his hospital ward contacted Barka. Barka staff members visited Silvian in the hospital, where, together with the social worker, they discussed a plan for his return to Romania. The hospital reached out to the Romanian consulate to arrange travel documentation, and Barka arranged for a flight. Due to Silvian’s condition, it was decided that a Barka staff member would accompany him on the journey.

On the day of travel, Aneta picked up Silvian from the hospital at 4 a.m., and they went to the airport together. During the flight, Silvian repeatedly expressed relief at having someone by his side. The assistance proved essential when the captain announced that, due to heavy fog in Cluj, the flight would be diverted to Sibiu Airport, about a two-hour drive away. Upon arrival, they managed to organize an ambulance that transported Silvian and Aneta to the hospital in Cluj.

Aneta accompanied Silvian all the way to the hospital, where his doctor, along with his mother and brother, awaited him. The family warmly thanked Barka for the support in helping Silvian return home.

A few days later, Silvian’s mother reached out to Barka once again to express her heartfelt thanks. She shared that she felt an immense relief in finally finding her son after months of searching. Silvian had since been discharged from the hospital and was now safely at home with his family.

This reunion has given Silvian the opportunity to continue his recovery surrounded by his loved ones, and his family is grateful for the support that made this possible.

Study Visit to Barka NL: Learning from Successful Homelessness Support Initiatives

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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 welcomed with open arms and immediately felt the strong Barka spirit among our colleagues. Despite meeting for the first time, there was an immediate sense of support and active interest in our activities in Berlin, both during and after the trip.

We left the Netherlands feeling inspired by the variety of Barka’s support projects for homeless Europeans. Barka NL has excellent collaboration with other organizations that do outreach work. Barka also provides counseling services and runs Community Centres. The NL Team operates an ambitious Training Flat project, helping homeless individuals reintegrate into employment. What impressed us most was their individualized approach to each person seeking help and the sheer volume of people they assist daily.”

Special thanks to the Barka Partner Organisations and the civil servants who met with Julie and Konrad, sharing their experiences and ideas on reducing homelessness in European cities.

The study visit was of great value to Barka Berlin e. V., giving us excellent prerequisites to launch our activities for migrants in precarious situations in Berlin.