{"id":15031,"date":"2022-10-10T12:43:58","date_gmt":"2022-10-10T10:43:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ombudsman.hr\/en\/?p=15031"},"modified":"2022-11-24T12:44:16","modified_gmt":"2022-11-24T10:44:16","slug":"world-homeless-day-2022-through-the-eyes-of-those-who-assist-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ombudsman.hr\/en\/world-homeless-day-2022-through-the-eyes-of-those-who-assist-them\/","title":{"rendered":"World Homeless Day 2022: Through the Eyes of Those Who Assist Them"},"content":{"rendered":"

10 October is marked worldwide as the World Homeless Day. In the run-up to this day last year we spoke<\/a> to the persons experiencing homelessness to gain an insight into their lives and raise awareness on what it is like to be without a home, to sleep rough or live in a homeless shelter and to feel almost invisible to the rest of the society.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s story is told from the angle of the people dedicating their lives to assisting the homeless and providing them with shelter, food, health care and education but also working on restoring their self-esteem, dignity and the sense of belonging. They help them by writing their job applications, facilitating the development of their talents \u2013 their paths towards better lives, and search for their loved ones so they could be buried by their families after they die. Together, they have gathered 67 years of experience \u2013 the first two, \u00a0\u0110ordana Barbari\u0107 <\/a>of the NGO MoSt from Split and Zvonko Mlinar<\/a> of the Croatian Homelessness Network from Zagreb, have spent decades assisting the most vulnerable members of the society, whereas \u00a0Pjer Orli\u0107<\/a>, director of the \u201cSt. Francis\u2019 Roses\u201d Homeless Shelter from Rijeka, started working in the field two years ago.<\/p>\n

We wish to thank all of them for their honest responses and for providing us and our readers with an insight into their efforts aimed at building a better society and extending support to those who need it the most.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLives of the people living on the edge who have lost faith in themselves and in the institutions can be turned for the better\u201d \u2013 \u0110ordana Barbari\u0107<\/h3>\n

\u0110ordana Barbari\u0107 has been active in the NGO MoSt from Split since 1999 and headed the organization for a number of years. Presently, she runs its Knowledge Center for Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction.<\/p>\n

Discussing the motivation driving her work, she says it is \u201efirst and foremost the deeply human purpose of what I do, helping and providing support to children, young people and those living in various sorts of unfavorable circumstances. I am especially motivated by the fact that it is possible to bring about change for the better in the lives of the people who live on the edge and have lost faith in themselves and in the institutions and that it is possible, through hard and dedicated work, to achieve change in our city.\u201c<\/p>\n

[pullquote]MoSt is one of the most prominent civil society organizations working with the homeless in the Republic of Croatia. Their activities include the reduction of poverty and social exclusion, youth work aimed at children and youth with behavioral problems and promoting volunteering at the local level.[\/pullquote]<\/strong><\/p>\n

Both those experiencing homelessness as well as those working with them keep facing prejudice and stigma, underscores Barbari\u0107. It is reflected in phrases such as \u201cIt\u2019s all their own fault\u201d, \u201cThey\u2019re all addicts\u201d, \u201cBums\u201d, \u201cThey chose to live like that\u201d, \u201cIt is what it is; there\u2019s no way of helping them\u201d. Still, change is visible: \u201cToday, after 22 years, thousands of citizens of all ages assist in the activities of the Homeless Center and the local food pantry; for more than ten years now every night the citizens cook for the homeless; all elementary schools, high schools, the Split University and the local sports clubs contribute to our work 365 days a year and that represents our biggest victory against prejudice\u201d.<\/p>\n

Through her work at the Homeless Center Barbari\u0107 has met thousands of women and men \u201cliving through difficult, painful, complex circumstances. I remember many of them.\u201d For example, a woman whose life story became known only after her death. She managed to escape domestic violence and \u201cbegan living in the streets, experiencing all that such a life brings. It was awful to see what that kind of a life did to her body and her mind; she came to the shelter utterly exhausted and died within the next ten days. Following her death, we started searching for her identity and managed to find her family. She was buried with her folk.\u201d<\/p>\n

If she had the power to do so, she would \u201cadvocate for the implementation of the laws, strategies, measures and rules, which do exist and are good and efficient on paper. What needs to be achieved is the implementation of the right to a decent living for all, a just social policy, social and health care services available and equally accessible to all vulnerable groups in all parts of the country, every county, every large city, as well as a continuous and open dialogue at all levels \u2013 state, regional and local – between decision-makers and those working on the ground, taking into account the constant changes and the emergence of new groups at risk of poverty and homelessness.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes we get discouraged too but every successful escape from the vicious circle of homelessness motivates us to keep going\u201d \u2013 Zvonko Mlinar<\/h3>\n

Zvonko Mlinar has spent the past 42 years working in the social welfare system, 12 of which directly with the homeless. During that time he has gotten to know at least 1500 individuals pushed into homelessness by various combinations of unfortunate circumstances. At present, he is serving as project leader for the project \u201eA New Perspective for the Homeless \u201eand volunteers as executive director for the Croatian Homelessness Network.<\/p>\n

Similar to him, most people like working with and helping other, says Mlinar. It does not come as a surprise, then, that he has spent his entire career volunteering for various NGOs and humanitarian organizations. \u201eI guess it’s a psychological need as well. A boss of mine, a well-off lawyer and assistant minister, who had never worked in the social welfare sector before, said to me once: The welfare sector pulls you in. I have never met so many good people anywhere else\u201c, recounts Mlinar.<\/p>\n

[pullquote]Croatian Homelessness Network gathers a number of civil society organizations and works under the motto \u201cNo one hungry, no one homeless and no one denied support\u201d. Their activities include the advancement of the care for the homeless and other socially excluded groups, assisting the organizations active in eradicating homelessness, public awareness raising about homelessness.[\/pullquote]<\/strong><\/p>\n

In his experience, if they are given a chance and provided with support, it is easier for the homeless to break out of that situation. Especially motivating are the difficult cases (addicts, ex-felons), proving that \u201cprovided with adequate help and support almost everyone can find the right path. \u201cSometimes we get discouraged too but every successful escape from the vicious circle of homelessness motivates us to keep going\u201d, says Mlinar, illustrating his words with several examples.<\/p>\n

\u201cK. (18) was raised in foster care. At 18, he left the foster home at his own request. We met him on the street, drunk, and gave him accommodation in a group home. While living there, he graduated from high school, found a job and is currently living with his girlfriend. He\u2019s 22 now. We talk and meet for a cup pf coffee from time to time.\u201d<\/p>\n

L. (19) grew up in a dysfunctional family that ended up in the streets. We accommodated him and his brother in a group home. He dropped out of high school after first grade. He laughed when I suggested for him to get training to become a sous chef. We got him to volunteer in a restaurant. Today he\u2019s a successful chef in one of Zagreb\u2019s famous restaurants.\u201d<\/p>\n

B. (26) grew up in foster care. Occasionally he worked as a waiter and got addicted to alcohol. He ended up in the streets and three months later in the homeless shelter. He was one of the most serious cases. Football, which he loved more than he loved alcohol, helped. We included him in Croatian Homeless Football Representation. Participation in the Homeless World Cup in Poland came with a condition \u2013 sobriety. He quit drinking. After the World Cup, he got a job in retail. Now he has a lovely family and is a father of three. \u201c<\/p>\n

Discussing prejudice against the persons experiencing homelessness, Mr. Mlinar recounts one person\u2019s words: \u201cAll of my chances are gone as soon as I mention the fact that I\u2019m homeless in a job interview. People have prejudice and there\u2019s nothing I can do about it\u201d. Additionally, the majority of the respondents in a survey conducted as part of the project \u201eA New Perspective for the Homeless\u201c indicated agreement with the notion that an increased number of homeless persons in a community reduces the quality of life within it. \u201eMany people believe the homeless are lazy, addicts, criminals, abusers, etc. Although some can be labeled as such, most ended up homeless due to family breakup, long-term unemployment, mental and other types of illnesses, old age, bankruptcy, etc.\u201c<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201eWhen it comes to people experiencing homelessness, every little step forward is a big deal! And that fact should be acknowledged.\u201c \u2013 Pjer Orli\u0107<\/h3>\n

Pjer Orli\u0107 has been managing the \u201cSt. Francis\u2019 Roses\u201d homeless shelter in Rijeka since April 2020, when, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, he transitioned from his career in journalism, after more than 20 years in the media business. It was not an easy decision, he says, and it entailed a host of questions and a lot of doubt. \u201cWhat do I even know about the homeless? Am I even capable of doing this? On the other hand, it was a challenge. A huge one. Getting out of your comfort zone and facing\u2026 What exactly? I knew homelessness existed. And that was, basically, all I knew. Ok, there was some prejudice as well. And yes, a desire to make a difference\u201d, says Mr. Orli\u0107.<\/p>\n

Quickly he became aware of several facts \u2013 that the issue of homelessness is underrecognized in Croatia, that everyone\u2019s story is different and that \u201call of us are at the verge of homelessness and can easily slip into it. Don\u2019t think that your good life and a decent job are guarantees that you won\u2019t end up in the streets. You wouldn\u2019t be the first person that has happened to\u201d.<\/p>\n

[pullquote]The St. Francis\u2019 Roses\u201d homeless shelter was founded in 2007 by the Rijeka Franciscans in the space secured by the Rijeka archdiocese. It provides housing and meals as well as various rehabilitation and resocialization programs for the homeless with the aim of their inclusion in the society.[\/pullquote]<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mr. Orli\u0107 admits to having had prejudice against the homeless prior to working at the shelter and stresses they are still prevalent in the society. \u201cOften I hear people say something like \u2018these homeless folks are just lazy and don\u2019t want to work\u2019. Imagine having to go to work every day while at the same time not having a home. Imagine how difficult that must be. You don\u2019t have a place to take a shower, to wash and change your clothes. How will you even get to work without a dime in your pocket? Even if you manage to find work, it will usually be low paid, precarious; you will most likely be an unregistered worker. Also, not being able to find work, many of the homeless people collect plastic bottles for recycling. A person who checks trash cans and looks for bottles from morning till\u2019 evening can hardly be labelled as \u2018lazy\u2019. It takes effort and tenacity!\u201d<\/p>\n

We often tend to forget one thing: \u201cThat first and foremost each of them is a person. A person with their own dreams, fears, flaws and talents\u2026 When you accept them as persons and don\u2019t judge them in advance, you can achieve a lot with them. You know, sometimes you can have a cup of coffee with them, have a chat, and achieve more in those 10-20 minutes than in the past several days!\u201d.<\/p>\n

In Mr. Orli\u0107’s experience, often it is hard to motivate a homeless person to attempt to change their current situation. \u201cAnd that\u2019s exactly why, when it comes to people experiencing homelessness, every little step is a big deal! And that fact should be acknowledged. \u201c<\/p>\n

If given a chance, he would change a lot when it comes to the current treatment of homelessness: make health care accessible to the persons experiencing homelessness, provide them with housing using the \u201chousing first\u201d model, introduce the ETHOS typology of homelessness already in use in most of the EU member states.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

10 October is marked worldwide as the World Homeless Day. In the run-up to this day last year we spoke to the persons experiencing homelessness to gain an insight into their lives and raise awareness on what it is like to be without a home, to sleep rough or live in a homeless shelter and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":12604,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[169],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15031","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ombudsman.hr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15031","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ombudsman.hr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ombudsman.hr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ombudsman.hr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ombudsman.hr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15031"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.ombudsman.hr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15031\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15038,"href":"https:\/\/www.ombudsman.hr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15031\/revisions\/15038"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ombudsman.hr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12604"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ombudsman.hr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15031"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ombudsman.hr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15031"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ombudsman.hr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15031"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}