Białystok. “Bench of hope”. Everyone who sits on it is to get help

In the yard of the Orthodox Mercy Center “Eleos” in Bialystok a “bench of hope” was set up. As the center management declares, everyone who sits on it will get food and clothing. He will also be able to talk to a psychologist and receive another help.

“The newly exposed bench has both symbolic and practical. It reminds of the strength of community and selfless help, and at the same time is a place where those in need will find support” – we read on the Facebook profile of the Białystok City Hall.

“Bench of Hope” stood at ul. Warszawska 47 in the yard at the headquarters of the Orthodox Mercy Center of the Diocese of Bialystok-Gdańsk “Eleos”.

Inspiration with a sculpture of a homeless Jesus

Inspiration came from the vice president of Białystok Marek Masalski, the former director of “Eleos”, who – during a visit to Vatican – He saw a unique sculpture. On the bench lies the figure of a homeless Jesus.

– In the Vatican, the bench has a more symbolic dimension, with us – more practical – emphasizes the current director of “Eleosu” Fr. Radosław Kondraciuk.

Food, clothing, conversation with a psychologist

He adds that everyone who sits on the bench will receive help.

– Someone from “Eleos” will come out to him. At the resort, a person in need will get food and clothing. He can also warm up, take a bath or talk to a psychologist. We also offer other forms of assistance, such as meetings with specialists in solving alcohol problems – says the priest.

He emphasizes that “Eleos”, when putting a bench, also wants to draw attention to the problem of homelessness and loneliness.

– Every year we support about two thousand in need. We also have sociotherapeutic common rooms for children from poor families – he informs.