THE PROJECT: A WELCOME HOUSE FOR HOMELESS
 “SAINT FRANCIS ROSE”

Proposal and responsibility: Secular Franciscan Order – Trsat (Croacia)
 
Starting on: March 27, 2007
 
Four years ago at our local fraternity in the city of Rijeka (Croacia) we started praying together the “7 steps”, which was conducted every week, as our Rule says, “from life to Gospel, and from Gospel to life”.
 
Just as the Lord made up a mosaic “step by step” in the life of Saint Francis, the same way, by means of our prayer, the Lord build up a mosaic from what had been offered to him, seven months ago –the Welcome House for the homeless. This was the first house of its kind in our city of Rijeka. We did not have any experience working with homeless: nor as a community not even individual experience. That’s all we had was the idea of how things needed to be done. But, while getting close to people and listening to their problems, we asked divine intervention, and so, we were able to understand what we were supposed to do to help the need.
 
A beautiful experience was the clear voice which came to us during the opening of the Welcome House: It was the visit of the Mercy Missioners (founded by Mother Theresa) in Zagreb. From this encounter, we learned about their courage and the strength of these sisters, who dedicate themselves to the poorest among the poor, all those who claim our attention with Jesus words: I am thirsty!.
 
An important support received to this Project was the one given by Archbishop Mons. Ivan Devčić. He gave us the possibility of an empty space from a Parish where two bedrooms, one with 8 beds for men and another with 3 beds for women, were able to be arranged. A kitchen, dinner room, pantry, washroom and even a nice chapel, also fit in this place.
 
 
 Nowadays, we get together everyday at the Chapel for morning and evening prayers. A priest also celebrates a Eucharist once a month, for all volunteers and benefactors of the house.
 

The Welcome House does not have any steady monthly contribution, except from what we get directly “from God’s mercy” and from the contribution of some generous people who support same with their daily service. Somehow needs are covered and we are able to provide daily assistance to those coming looking for food or for a clean place to sleep.
 
 

THE WELCOME HOUSE PROJECT:

• Caring and lodging people in need (indigents, homeless, people with particular needs) all “lepers of our time” not considering their age, race or faith.

• Rehabilitate beneficiaries, trying to help them psychological and physically.

• Therapeutic program to enable them to working conditions.

• Help and support beneficiaries from a spiritual and psychological level.

• Incorporate beneficiaries to working habits and supporting them in developing their creativity.

• Look for a healthy environment for all beneficiaries.

• Help beneficiaries to overcome their own traumas.

• Assist beneficiaries in their own social and human rights.

• Professionally assist beneficiaries to get duly assistance from institutions such as City and Community

• Service, Caritas, agreements with Friars and Sisters, and the Parish.

• Develop the public sensibility on the poverty problem and the growing number of homeless in our city.

• Give legal assistance to all beneficiaries.

• Accompaniment of beneficiaries after their incorporation to society.

• Attract and form volunteers and other interested in working with people in need.
   
  During the last period of 6 months, the Welcome House has assisted 44 people, (13 women and 31 men).
   
  Workshops given to beneficiaries are:
   

• Individual advice.

• Fine arts.

• Horticulture.

• Production and sales of souvenirs. (social craftsmanship).

Address: Baštijanova 25a, 51000 Rijeka, Croazia
Telephone: 00385.51.512131
Fax. 00385.51.512131
Movil phone: 00385.99.3158483
E-mail: fsrtrsat@net.hr
Blog: http://fsrtrsat.blog.hr
Bank Account (Croazia): 2360000-1101944201