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Photo Euroradio
Allow us to introduce ourselves. We are Anna Fedoronok and Alesya Bunevich, co-founders of the charitable foundation “Pryituliaj Miane” (“Shelter Me”). Our foundation supports Belarusians affected by the regime and people forced into exile in Warsaw. In recent years, it has been difficult to secure stable funding, but we continue searching for support for our shelter.
Our main focus is the “Zatishsha” Shelter in Warsaw, operating since April 2022. We welcome newly arrived эмигрантов and help them adapt to their new reality.
Initially, the shelter was created to provide free assistance and support to people arriving from Ukraine — both Belarusians and Ukrainians — at the beginning of the war. Over this time, our shelter has helped more than 400 people feel supported, regain confidence, and take their first steps toward rebuilding their lives after forced displacement due to war.
Today, our primary goal is to create a safe, warm, and supportive space for Belarusian political prisoners and their families.
We provide free of charge:
• Temporary accommodation
• Meals
• Informational support
• Assistance with job search and adaptation
We are here so that no one is left alone with their fears and hardships, but instead feels care, respect, and human warmth. In the future, the foundation plans to develop and launch new projects to support affected Belarusians, because we believe that solidarity and mutual support can change destinies. You can follow our activities on Facebook and Instagram.
Current Needs
We are currently facing the following challenges:
- Purchasing 10 beds, 10 tables, 6 dressers, and additional chairs for guests during events. Over the past year alone, around 100 people have passed through the shelter. The heavy and continuous use has significantly worn out the furniture.
- Purchasing and installing garden furniture for the courtyard. The existing outdoor furniture is completely damaged and unusable.
- Restocking the first-aid kit with essential medicines, blood pressure monitors, and thermometers.
- Covering transportation costs for delivering goods, humanitarian aid, and moving residents. Recently, many caring Belarusians have donated clothing, food, bedding, and other supplies, which requires constant use of a personal vehicle and fuel expenses.
Creating a one-month financial reserve in case funding is completely suspended, to cover rent and utilities. We have previously experienced funding interruptions and want to ensure the shelter can continue operating without stopping even for a single day.
Fundraising goal
€8300
€3800 – furniture purchase, including garden furniture
€400 – medicines, blood pressure monitors, thermometers
€500 – fuel expenses
€3600 – financial reserve (one month of rent and utilities)