Kirov and Tomsk, February 17, 2020
Photo: diaconia.ru
The Russian Orthodox Church has launched two new projects to help the homeless in regions where winter is especially harsh: a residential heated module in Kirov, and another Mercy Bus in Tomsk.
The heating module, created at the initiative of the Vyatka Diocese and with the help of a number of benefactors, has 20 beds to accommodate people in the winter, reports the press service of the Synodal Department.
The module is a continuation of last year’s “Tent for the Homeless” project. The new housing unit is heated by electric convectors and equipped with antibacterial facilities. Those staying in the module will also be treated to hot meals prepared by the local Sisters of Mercy.
Photo: diaconia.ru
At the same time, the Russian Church’s latest Mercy Bus was launched in the Siberian city of Tomsk, initiated by Fr. Sergei Belyaev from the Church of St. Nicholas in the village of Timiryazevskoe and implemented by the Tomsk Diocese and the ProDeo charitable legal service.
The bus was bought with the charity’s funds, and two local cafes agreed to provide hot meals for free, and a number of locals have already volunteered to help with the project.
There are about 1,500 homeless people in Tomsk, Fr. Sergei reported. “Thank God if our lunches can help someone not die of hunger, to survive until next winter,” he commented.
Photo: diaconia.ru
Tomsk "mercy Bus" will travel to places where homeless people gather twice a week. In addition to distributing food and warm clothing, the project staff will provide people with social and legal assistance.
There are an estimated 3 million homeless people in Russia today. There are more than 90 Church shelters for the homeless, 13 Mercy Buses (mobile help points), and more than 460 charity cafes.
A Mercy Bus was also launched in Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan, in late December, and in St. Petersburg a month before that.
