Former director Grigory Sverdlin looks back on how Russia’s Nochlezhka homeless charity built shelters, showers, and laundries while expanding into Moscow

From 1990 until now, the Russian charity Nochlezhka has been dedicated to assisting individuals experiencing homelessness through providing food, shelter, medical care, psychological support, and legal assistance. Its leader, Grigory Sverdlin, served in this role from 2011 until 2022, during which the charity established several initiatives: the Neravnodush, a free shower facility; the Counseling Service, offering legal and social aid; the Cultural Launderette, a free laundry and drying service; and a Moscow branch, which opened despite opposition from local residents and media outlets.

In his book "Punkt Obogreva" ("Warming Center"), published by Meduza with the support of the StraightForward Foundation, Sverdlin reflects on the challenges faced by Nochlezhka and how the organization managed to overcome them. We had the opportunity to speak with him about his experience working with the charity and the atmosphere surrounding its various projects.

The Night Bus was a small minivan equipped with shelving units and thermoses of soup. Volunteers distributed food at the same stops daily, creating a sense of familiarity for the homeless community. Despite the cold and dark conditions, the Night Bus provided a safe haven for up to 40 people each evening, fostering a supportive environment filled with gratitude and politeness.

In terms of demographics, Sverdlin observed that the Night Bus attracted a diverse group of people, including the elderly, a teenage boy, working-class individuals, and some residents with their own homes. This inclusivity reflected a fundamental principle of Nochlezhka: providing assistance to all in need, regardless of their living situation.

The Warming Station, also known as a tent, was a daily gathering spot for the homeless community, accommodating up to 70 individuals during peak hours. Even on the coldest nights, when the temperature plummeted to -20 to -25 degrees Celsius, the charity ensured that everyone could find shelter, no matter their sobriety level. The diverse range of ages, including children and the elderly, highlighted the charity's commitment to serving the entire homeless population.

The final project, a shelter built at the end of Ligovsky Prospect, required extensive renovations to transform the abandoned building's skeletal structure into a safe living space for 52 people. The shelter consisted of five rooms, accommodating eight to 12 individuals each, with separate accommodations for men and women. This setup mirrored the gender ratio observed among homeless individuals in the area, with approximately four times as many men as women.

Among the services provided at the shelter, the Counseling Service served as an information hub for homeless individuals, assisting with document replacement, complaint filing, and seeking help from city agencies. Sverdlin recounted stories of residents facing challenges, such as stolen passports and employer exploitation, illustrating the complex legal issues faced by those living on the streets.

Overall, Nochlezhka's projects under Sverdlin's leadership demonstrated a remarkable commitment to providing comprehensive support to the homeless community, addressing both their immediate needs and long-term challenges.