In Chorzów, Poland, it all began with a simple realisation: to provide a proper welcome to those living in precarious circumstances, simply offering them a hot meal is not enough. 

The ‘Step inside the Tent’ project aimed to create a haven of human and physical warmth for isolated, elderly and destitute people – a place where they could feel at home, sheltered from the cold and isolation.

A haven of warmth and dignity

The sisters came up with the idea of a large heated tent, set up in their community’s garden, to transform the simple distribution of meals at the door into a genuine moment of sharing and fellowship.

"We had to prepare the ground, bring in the materials and lay paving stones to stabilise the ground. Next, the tent was erected, providing a protective shelter against the harsh Polish winter. Electricians laid the cables, whilst volunteers set up the tables and chairs. Gas heaters were installed to ensure the air inside was comfortable. The community was provided with stainless-steel thermal containers so that the soups and cooked dishes would retain their flavour right down to the very last bite! Disposable tableware was laid out to serve each guest with care. Finally, fairy lights were hung up…" Sr. Aleksandra

Hearts warming, bonds forming

“There were a few difficulties with the weather and a volunteer falling ill, which meant the installation of electric lighting along the path to the tent had to be postponed. But the project is working a treat! The welcome will soon be perfect, right down to the smallest details. The space, which used to be a simple food distribution point, has become a ‘dining room’ where people can sit down, warm up and chat.” Sr. Aleksandra

Marian, an elderly man with no means of support, used to take his meals back to his home, an abandoned building. Suffering from hearing problems, he had gradually withdrawn from society. Now, he sits down to eat with the others. Although communication remains a challenge, being surrounded by others makes him feel accepted, seen and fully respected.

Krystyna is an elderly lady who lives alone on a meagre pension. She used to come and collect a takeaway meal and then leave in silence. Now, she goes into the tent, settles down, and shares a meal with the others. “I feel less lonely; I feel as though I matter,” she says, her eyes shining.

Around 70 people regularly make use of this haven of peace. Ukrainian children, who are being looked after by the nuns, even shared a meal in the tent with young people from the socio-therapeutic centre.

The satisfaction surveys carried out amongst beneficiaries and volunteers are unanimous. Everyone agrees that this project was ‘very much needed’. They highlight the excellent quality of the meals, the adequate heating, the warm welcome and, above all, that precious feeling of being ‘valued and loved’, which goes a long way towards helping them integrate more fully into the local community. Before each meal, a moment of prayer is shared to thank the donors: gratitude lies at the heart of this human endeavour. 

This project has shown that a simple tent can become a home, that a hot meal can warm the soul, and that a shared smile can restore hope. The sisters and volunteers carry on this mission with infectious joy.

“This success is yours. It shows that solidarity, when put into practice, transforms lives. Every word heard at the end of a meal – a simple ‘Thank you’ or ‘God bless you’ – is addressed directly to you. Thank you for making this daily miracle possible.” Sr. Aleksandra