Depaul Slovakia: Breakfast for the Homeless

Winter is always the most challenging period of the year for people living on streets. During the winter all our services are filled to the capacity. This 2013/2014 winter was mild and dry which resulted in average 150-160 people per night in the nightshelter, which is less than during the cold winter. Those who live on streets usually try to keep their good places occupied and are not willing to risk losing them only until it is really necessary. Yes, life on street might be really harsh.

Every year during the Christmas season we try to prepare something special for our clients. With the help of our sponsors we served in all our projects typical Christmas meals and every client got a personal Christmas gift. During the week after Christmas when all shops and malls were closed and people living on streets have no chance to get warm, we opened our nightshelter during the whole day. We installed big heaters, served food, hot tea and cakes donated to us and we showed films. Our clients were really excited.

Some of our clients are really creative and gifted. For example Pavel from St. Louisie shelter developed a technology to fit a roof for his model houses from fir cones. The whole November and December a group of clients in shelter worked hard to help Pavel to produce enough “Betlehems” for Christmas. “Betlehem” is a typical Slovak folk art decoration for Christmas season. Before Christmas they sold “Betlehems” on streets and Pavel earned enough income to cover his trip to eastern Slovakia. After many years he was able to spend Christmas with his family.