WARSAW: Homelessness in Poland is a multifaceted problem affecting thousands of individuals who are forced to live outside of society, often in extreme conditions and with a profound sense of exclusion. According to a report by Caritas Polska, this issue impacts men and women, young and old, with causes that are complex and often accumulate over many years. But how does the Catholic Church extend its support to those in need?
Table of Contents
Homelessness in Poland: A Complex Issue and How the Catholic Church Provides Support
„In undertaking the challenging task of presenting the assistance provided to people experiencing homelessness by Caritas in Poland, we must begin by defining homelessness,” states the Caritas Polska report.
The organization emphasizes that homelessness is difficult to define because its manifestations and nature vary. Under Polish law, a homeless person is someone who does not have a permanent residence or only resides temporarily without the possibility of permanent registration. Caritas also highlights the psychological dimension of homelessness, describing it as „a crisis state of a person who lacks an actual place of residence and the means to meet basic needs.”
The Scale of Homelessness in Poland
Data from a 2024 study conducted by the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Policy reports over 31,000 homeless individuals in Poland. However, the true figure may be significantly higher due to many people hiding their situation or finding temporary shelter, leading to underreporting.
„Experts from the European Anti-Poverty Network estimate that the scale of homelessness in Poland may have doubled,” the report notes, highlighting the challenges in accurately assessing the number of homeless individuals.
The Causes of Homelessness: A Web of Challenges
Homelessness is rarely the result of a single event; it is often caused by a combination of factors.
„There is no single cause of homelessness,” explains Janusz Sukiennik, a social project specialist at Caritas Polska, adding that „it is a disease, not the choice of a free person.”
Some of the most common causes include:
- Addictions: Homelessness frequently correlates with substance abuse, especially alcoholism, which deepens social exclusion.
- Family Conflicts and Domestic Violence: Family breakdowns, domestic violence, and conflicts with loved ones are significant contributors to homelessness.
- Health and Mental Issues: Many homeless individuals struggle with mental health problems, preventing them from leading stable lives.
Agnieszka Hołubowska from Caritas Szczecińsko-Kamieńska highlights the increasing number of young people on the streets due to family conflicts.
„We are seeing many young people who have run away from home after arguments with their parents. They wander and come here when it gets cold,” she says, emphasizing the lack of support for youth who often feel ashamed of their situation and hide it from society.
How Caritas Polska Supports the Homeless
As Poland’s leading charitable organization, Caritas Polska engages in numerous efforts to support homeless individuals. The organization operates shelters, hostels, warming centers, and food distribution points.
„We have set ourselves many tasks related to helping those experiencing a lack of shelter,” the report states, emphasizing the hard work and dedication of Caritas staff and volunteers.
Caritas aims to provide assistance „with respect and without judgment,” which is vital in restoring dignity to those in need. Alongside emergency relief, Caritas implements long-term support programs to help individuals rebuild their lives.
Data Collection Challenges
One of the most significant challenges faced by aid organizations like Caritas is the lack of precise data on the number of homeless individuals.
„Currently, we have data from 2024, but for five years, we relied on data from 2019, predating the pandemic,” the report notes, highlighting delays caused by the global crisis.
Homeless counts are conducted every two years and include individuals in facilities such as shelters and hostels. However, many remain outside the reach of authorities, staying with friends or avoiding contact with services due to fear of legal or financial repercussions.
„Many people in a homeless crisis avoid contact with services because of a lack of documents, debt, unpaid child support, or fear of legal responsibility,” explains Sukiennik, underscoring the complexity of reaching everyone in need.
Regional Variations in Homelessness
The report notes that homelessness in Poland varies by region. The highest numbers of homeless individuals are found in the Pomeranian, Silesian, and Mazovian provinces.
„In four provinces, a negative trend was recorded, with higher numbers of homeless individuals than in the previous two surveys. This includes Małopolskie, Podkarpackie, Pomeranian, and Wielkopolskie provinces,” the authors note, pointing to economic issues and the housing crisis as factors exacerbating the problem.
Rising inflation, increasing rental costs, and the economic downturn have worsened the situation.
„The pandemic, the war in Ukraine, rising energy prices, and high inflation have led to increased social exclusion and poverty, and in extreme cases, homelessness,” the report summarizes.
Personal Stories: Voices of the Homeless
The Caritas report shares personal stories of homeless individuals, illustrating the harsh realities of their lives. One example is Wojciech, who returned to Poland after years of working abroad but ended up on the streets due to alcohol addiction.
„Alcohol shaped my life. You want to forget, then wake up. Work, housing, drinking—it all spirals out of control. But when you realize you’re lost, you start looking for a way out,” Wojciech shares.
Another story, that of Jarosław, highlights the impact of gaming addiction.
„I used to be a taxi driver, but instead of working, I played games. My savings ran out, I lost my license, and my income disappeared. There has to be a moment of shock, a second person who extends their hand,” Jarosław explains, emphasizing the importance of support from others.
The Role of the Catholic Community
Homelessness requires solidarity and support from the entire community, not just charitable organizations. The Catholic Church, through organizations like Caritas, plays a crucial role in helping homeless individuals. However, the faithful can also make a difference.
According to Caritas Polska, many homeless individuals find their way to aid organizations thanks to the support of friends, relatives, or local community members. Small gestures, such as a conversation, prayer, or material assistance, can help homeless individuals feel part of society and give them hope for a better future.
Conclusion
Homelessness in Poland is a complex social issue requiring the involvement of aid organizations, authorities, and the Catholic community. Through its numerous initiatives and support centers, Caritas Polska offers vital assistance to homeless individuals, addressing not only their material needs but also restoring hope and dignity. This problem concerns all of us, and collective efforts can help many people find their way back to a stable life.
Central Europe Reports, Economy Reports /SMN source: wAkcji24.pl / 27.11.2024
