Barka Foundation for Mutual Help

The Barka Foundation for Mutual Help works to help the many destitute and homeless people in Poland meet their housing and employment needs after the collapse of the communist system. It also helps the migrant workers who returned to Poland after many years abroad and seek a place to live. Barka’s work has developed along two parallel lines: the rehabilitation of those rejected by society; and building local partnerships with the public, private and NGO sectors to create local jobs and markets.

Using its philosophy of encouraging mutual self-help, Barka currently provides accommodation to 750 people in a variety of community homes, hostels, private flats and single-family houses, all of which are run as extended family homes rather than institutions. Some of the residents spend only a year or so with Barka to get back on their feet, typically while they are being treated for alcohol addiction. Others prefer to continue living and working in the community for longer periods of time. There are 30 Barka communities established throughout southwest Poland, and 14 vocational workshops that provide education and training programmes. It has also established 25 income-generating enterprises, restored two large state farms and pioneered organic agriculture. Partnerships with local municipalities and businesses have created sustainable employment opportunities.

Through mutual self-reliance and self-sufficiency, physical and mental health have improved for those living in Barka Foundation homes. The combination of hard work and human interaction has enabled many individuals to experience a miraculous recovery from addictions. Many residents go on to marry, raise children and lead productive lives, while those who are too old and frail to work are supported by the communities. All residents are involved with the decision-making within their communities, and each community is economically self-sufficient through the various activities carried out by the residents.

The activities undertaken by Barka over the last 20 years have had a major influence in facilitating the emergence of civil society and social enterprise in post-communist Poland. Barka is increasingly being asked to work in large European cities, helping destitute East European migrant workers either to return home or settle into their new society.