This project addressed the problem of the small number of measures to get people facing homelessness in Szczecin active with regard to employment and in the community. The support available in Szczecin was limited to temporary aid, and did not include any activities that help people to become independent. No one-on-one or group therapy for non-addicts facing homelessness was provided in any shelter in Szczecin, while only one shelter provided treatment for addiction.
The project guaranteed a full range of support designed to meet the needs and possibilities of each enrolled person from the Feniks shelter in Szczecin. 73 people facing homelessness received support, including elderly persons and a number of people with disabilities. We provided each person with access to one-on-one and group therapy (540 hours), and workshops on psychology (15 hours), music (18 meetings), art (10 meetings), cooking (9 meetings), and health awareness (10 hours), as well as job-seeking assistance in one-on-one and workshop form (250 hours). We also held nine integration excursions with the local community.
Before the project took place, new arrivals at the shelter often adopted the apathetic lifestyle of the other residents, seeing no prospect of change in their circumstances. The project helped the participants to open up and attain occupational and social competences, and integrate with the local community. Regular meetings with a therapist, workshops with a psychologist, and group therapy helped participants to understand and express their emotions better. Their self-esteem improved, and the ties between them became stronger. The support helped twelve people to find jobs, and many people to remain sober. The project helped to reduce social exclusion of the participants and improved the image of shelter residents. This is confirmed by surveys conducted in the local community.