Another Shelter for Political Prisoners Opened in Warsaw — Money Raised in a Few Days
Musician Siarhiej Douhushau was inspired to create a shelter for former political prisoners expelled from Belarus. Money for the project was raised through Facebook — the first residents have already moved into the house.
Photo: Siarhiej Douhushau's archive
Siarhiej decided to organize a shelter when he saw news about the release of the December group of political prisoners: at that time, 123 political prisoners were expelled from Belarus. This is not Douhushau's first experience with such work. Four years ago, he founded the "House of Creators" in Warsaw — Belarusian cultural figures who need help can live there for several months.
In the case of the shelter, he was lucky because a low-cost premise was found in time:
«This house is located in a very good district of Warsaw, among the forest, and the rent is not much. We just needed to make a quick decision. I launched a fundraiser, and within 3-4 days we collected enough to cover the initial expenses and pay for three months of rent.»
Photo: Siarhiej Douhushau's archive
The first residents have already moved into the shelter; these are five former political prisoners from the group released on December 13. It is planned that former political prisoners will be able to live in the shelter for up to two months.
The house has five rooms, and former political prisoners will be accommodated two people per room. There are also plans to organize art therapy sessions in the shelter — there is a suitable room for this.
Douhushau and other activists managed to create a project funded entirely by donations from Belarusians:
«This shows how solidary Belarusians are, how we get involved when trouble strikes or when someone needs help. Many people responded, many people participated. Someone even donated ten zlotys — saying, 'I'm sorry, I have no money at all, but I want to participate.'»
Photo: Siarhiej Douhushau's archive
Belarusians also donate various items to equip the shelter — from kettles and frying pans to beds and mattresses.
«It will be a really cool example if we manage to cover the shelter's needs for a year simply through those Belarusians who are able to donate. The amount is not very large; rent costs 1600 euros per month, plus utilities and other expenses. Over a year, it comes to about 24 thousand euros. If we manage to find that amount, this shelter will live for a year,» Douhushau muses.
Siarhiej publishes information on how to help the shelter on his Facebook page.
«Nasha Niva» — the bastion of Belarus
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