Karina on working for Nochlezhka   

I think my arrival at Nochlezhka was just meant to happen: so many decisions and coincidences, someone else's words and my reflections – everything came together and brought me to this dream job. I think, had it not happened over the summer, it would have eventually happened the following autumn, winter or spring…

I like talking to people and listening to their responses to my questions. I read, go to the theatre and travel a lot, gradually shaping my idea of the world. I enjoy collecting and combining information. I think living some sort of an indefinite experience is what I see as my main ambition. 

I am also a member of ‘Vesna’, a youth democratic movement. I participate in a human rights project for school children run by Anne Frank’s House and I sort my recycling. 

I am learning to have a broader view of the world. 

Pavel on working for Nochlezhka

- What did you study and what did you do before you came to Nochlezhka?

I had a degree from the Faculty of History of St. Petersburg State University. I came to Nochlezhka as a volunteer, took part in a few campaigns and events, helped the charity to deliver bread for the homeless from Bushe and helped the social service: I accompanied our clients to governmental institutions and answered questions over the phone, etc.

They then offered me the job of a social worker and I gladly accepted it.

- Why did you come to Nochlezhka? Why did you decide to help the homeless? 

One often hears that homeless people only have themselves to blame, although very often it really is not the case. But even if some of these people are partly responsible for their situation, it does not mean they should be deprived of their civil rights and denied help.

Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t know what rights they have and how they can exercise them. One of our missions is to tell them and help them make sure they receive what they are entitled to by law.

I work for Nochlezhka because it is very important to me that my job should mean something, that it is of use to others and satisfying for myself.

Also, it’s great when your colleagues understand you and share your beliefs.

- What do you do in your free time? 

In my free time, I make music, I like travelling and seeing my friends.

All our employees used to be volunteers.

You, too, can volunteer or work for us

Alexey on working for Nochlezhka

What are you by trade?

My diploma says ‘A theatre and cinema actor’. But I don’t feel like acting.

How long have you been working for Nochlezhka? Why did you come to the charity?

My parents would buy the ‘Na Dne’ newspaper [a newspaper about the homeless sold by the homeless] now and then, so I have known and admired the charity since I was very young. Since approximately the same age I have seen the injustice around me and I have wanted to help people. This is what brought me to the charity, or, to be more precise, to its utility room, where I volunteered, giving out clothes to those in need.

It’s been a year, I have ‘grown up’ and now fly up and down the stairs, making sure everything is in order. Bills, minor maintenance, various needs of the staff and the inhabitants, overall cleanliness – this is what I’m in charge of.

Why do you keep working for Nochlezhka?

Because it is despicable when an old man loses his flat through fraud and has to live at a bus stop.

What do you do in your free time?

I am interested in art.

Attendant of the Counselling Service