Uherský Brod, Olomouc, Kolomyja – How it goes in the home for the elderly or in the shelter for mothers with children in need. This was found out on Wednesday, February 26th, by five workers of Ukrainian “Caritas − Kolomyia” in Uherský Brod. Archdiocesan “Caritas − Olomouc” has supported the “Caritas − Kolomyia” for many years. “Caritas”, for example, is the mediator of the know-hows of the Czech “Caritas” in order for them to be able to help themselves back in Ukraine. And they succeed. In 2017, they became the best non-profit organization of the year.

Ukrainian “Caritas” workers arrived in the head by its director, Sergiy Trifyak. They have come for inspiration to the Czech Republic several times. “We are happy to visit the homeless temporary accommodation center in Uherský Brod. According to its model, we have opened this service in our country. Our shelter is built for 23 clients and has been in operation for 3 years,” − said Serhij Tryfjak. Also, today his team went to the Uherský Brod with the Archdiocese “Caritas − Olomouc”. This time they visited a local shelter for single mothers and their children and a home for the elderly in Vlchnov. “This year, in April, we want to open our own home for the elderly. In the future, we are planning to provide the service in the shelter as well,” − said the director of the “Caritas − Kolomyia”.

Visitors are in “Caritas− Uherský Brod”. There are 220 employees which are helping people in need, with providing social, health and other services.

The group arrives in Vlchnov. Sixteen years ago, the municipality built there a home for the elderly. It is run by the “Caritas − Brody”. Its head Petra Kuchařová welcomes them in Ukrainian language, and then tours the visitors through the home. It is small, has a capacity of 15 people. “Each visitor has its own single room with an electrical machinery bed and signaling equipment, which is considered as a high standard in the Czech Republic. Most of these rooms are equipped with a bathroom,” − he added.

Two women almost celebrated 100 years. They were sisters.

Throughout this time 80 people have lived there. Lady who moved here fourteen years ago is the one who lives here the longest. “Two of our clients almost celebrated 100 years here, for one of them there were 4 months left to celebrate, for the other – just a month, both were sisters by blood,” – said Petra Kuchařová while sharing another interesting story from home life. She also points out that the number of elderly people with disabilities is increasing, as well as the number of applicants for accommodation in the center. “This is related to the increase in retirement age. There are more and more families who cannot take care of their loved ones twenty-four hours a day because they have to go to work,” − explained the head of home in Vlčnov.

Guests from Ukraine, for example, ask − how many clients per caregiver can stay in the house or who pays for the clients’ accommodation? More than 70% are deducted from people’s retirement income, while it is only 1500 UAH (1 386 CZK).

Visitors from Kolomyia will visit the apartment of almost ninety-year-old Mary. She loves to cut out and create Czech betlems. Also, she likes going to the garden to see what’s going on in the birdhouse. Visitors will be shown holy images, they are from Ukraine.

A shelter is not a hostel.  They are giving advice to mothers there.

The next stop is the shelter in Uherský Brod. The tour is organized by the local director Radka Roubalíková. “Mothers in crisis live here with their children. They have no home or survived domestic violence. In addition, there are pregnant women. Some are hiding there. There are nine apartments in the house,” – said Radka Roubalíková. Shelter is provided well. Workers have a pager connected to the police officers. Police also regularly passes on patrol there.

“We are not a hostel,” − the director said. “Our job is to tell these women what to do next. For example, how to take good care of their child, how to find a new kindergarten and school, how to handle social payments, debt or divorce and find permanent housing. “

Our partners from “Caritas – Kolomyia” are leaving the Czech Republic with new experiences. We wish them to be able to fulfill their intentions. To help other people in difficult situations …

Karolína Opatřilová, Archdiocesan Caritas Olomouc