This is an interview-monologue with Sergey (name changed for security reasons), the person who became the first resident of the shelter in Vilnius. He witnessed volunteers setting up the shelter and participated in establishing daily routines and creating traditions for this temporary home.
I was one of the activists in a small town's community. I participated in marches, pickets, signature collection campaigns, and much more. For this, I was repeatedly detained by security forces, but I managed to stay in the country until spring 2024. That's when I was detained once again. During interrogation, I was severely beaten. After recovering, I was forced to flee the country because there was a high risk of being detained again and facing criminal charges (which were indeed filed shortly after). I had to flee quickly and without preparation.
I arrived in Lithuania without money and didn't understand how to settle in another country. I knew several people from the "A Country to Live in" foundation and reached out to them. The shelter was opening at that time, and they gave me the opportunity to stay there. That's how I became the first resident of this shelter. I watched volunteers setting it up: bringing everything necessary (sometimes even from their own homes), organizing food packages, and doing many important things.
Almost immediately, a second resident moved in — from a refugee camp. We started establishing routines: cooking, cleaning, trying to create a cozy atmosphere. We came up with a tradition of welcoming new people with Belarusian dishes. A couple of weeks later, a young woman arrived at the shelter — she looked confused and frightened. As she later told us, she didn't expect to be welcomed like home, and this helped her adapt more easily.
Foundation volunteers helped us with legalization and many other issues: how to buy a travel card, where to find stores, and other (perhaps small, but very important to us) advice. Then other people started arriving, and we welcomed them like close friends, shared our experience: as "old-timers," we gave advice, helped, and supported them as best we could.
After some time, I found a job, rented an apartment, and moved out of the shelter, but I kept coming back on weekends like visiting family. Gradually, the first residents settled in and moved out, but the traditions of support and care remained. We periodically meet at the shelter, reminisce about living there, share our experience with new residents, and bring various treats.
Sadly, the flow of refugees isn't decreasing, and they all need a roof over their heads, food, but most of all they (we) need faith that a Belarusian will stand by another Belarusian. That we'll offer a shoulder to lean on and support in difficult times.
I (we) thank everyone who supports the shelter. This helps people get through a difficult stage and then help others. Almost everyone who lived in the shelter stays in touch and communicates with each other (we have our own chat). Thanks to you and the foundation, we met and didn't get lost.
I know that someday we will return and meet in Belarus, share everything we can't talk about now, and feel that atmosphere of 2020 again.
If Sergey's story resonates with you and you want to help those who are just beginning their free journey after prison, support our shelter.
Every donation helps support political prisoners and their families, giving them hope and the means to overcome challenges.
