One Mattress at a Time

Upon meeting the Salvation Army Director in Opava, Czech Republic we quickly learned their Shelter is based on expecting service and helping the homeless become self-reliant.

We learned 85% of the homeless people have outside employment (Part-time jobs) or an assigned chore at the shelter.

This was an excellent NGO that had high expectations for work, cleanliness, and attitude for the clients and we found the facility cleaner than many city motels. Salvation Army also offers social services and counseling and employment assistance to get people back on their feet.

The director was requesting twenty new mattresses for the women’s shelter along with waterproof covers for long lasting protection. The women & children’s shelter is in a separate three story building with a capacity for forty.

Multiple women or families were observed living together in several rooms. Women are expected to care for their children and keep rooms and living areas clean and tidy.

An outside playground was donated by another charity for the children to play on and children were expected to follow rules of good behavior.

The older mattresses were soiled and worn and had no covers on them and the new ones are more hygienic, easy to clean, and longer lasting. The Director stated he was very appreciative for the assistance of LDS Charities.