BOTOSANI,
Romania, Aug. 8, 2024
A former state residence of the late communist dictator Nicolae
Ceaușescu, long left to decay, has been repurposed as a shelter for
the homeless, young and elderly, which apparently have no future to
hope for. This unique project is the brainchild of former
journalist Ionela Ivan. Her story
begins 9 years ago.
"I was distributing hot soup to the homeless, on
the streets. Year after year, in the winter season, I saw people
freezing to death or dying because of their conditions which got
worse because of the cold weather. The worst situation I can
remember involves an old man whom I fed in the evening and the next
morning he was found frozen to death.
I felt completely helpless, I regretted not being
able to do more. The idea of setting up a shelter came somehow as a
saving solution for those forced to live on the streets. It
was very important to buy a house. Later we found out the history
of the building and we were surprised, but also impressed. The
former house of Ceaușescu became a shelter for the completely
helpless - a beautiful transformation!" Ionela recounts.
Hot soup for 90 homeless people, served in
Ceaușescu's villa
The building, located 50 kilometers
from Botoșani, was in ruins, and Ionela didn't have the
necessary funds for either purchase or renovation.
"When we started the «Casa Nicolae» project,
we had a preliminary sales contract but didn't have the money to
actually buy it. I had known Vlad Plăcintă from the internet for
many years, being aware of all the humanitarian cases and actions
he was involved in, but I hadn't had the chance to meet him in
person. I thought about it for two weeks before I worked up the
courage to write to him. I told him about what we wanted to do, we
met at «Casa Nicolae», and the next day we started work,"
Ionela Ivan added.
"We also helped in any way we
could. Asociația «Salvează o inimă» (The «Save a Heart»
Association) invested €200,000 into the renovation of the
residence. Today, 90 needy people are provided with accommodation
and meals in Nicolae Ceaușescu's former state guesthouse," Vlad
Plăcintă, President of Asociația „Salvează o inimă" said.
A charitable project supported by Asociația
„Salvează o Inimă"
Most of those who have found shelter in the
former dictator's residence face medical issues, some of the most
severe requiring frequent hospitalization.
"We have to call an ambulance once every few days
for those we can't transport to the hospital ourselves.
Nurse Eleonora, our colleague, takes care of their daily
medication, bandages those with varicose ulcers or diabetes-related
wounds, exercises with patients who need medical rehabilitation,
takes them to regular check-ups and to physiotherapy. Florentina,
the social worker, makes sure they don't lack anything: a warm and
clean bed, a tasty meal, a kind word and a hug. Everything that
happens here is done with love, respect, and empathy," Cristian Ivan, Ionela's husband assured us.
A medical rehabilitation center in Botoșani
has joined in support of the Happy initiative, offering free
physiotherapy sessions to the residents of «Casa Nicolae». And
because where there are many, the strength grows, a clinic in the
city performs all the necessary blood tests free of charge.
The story of Costică - from the streets to
Ceaușescu's villa
A key helper at «Casa Nicolae» is Costică.
For 12 years, he has lived on the streets with his brother. After
their parents died, the two were unable to pay their apartment
expenses and were evicted. They've slept in train stations,
shopping centers or simply on the street until the day «Casa
Nicolae» opened its doors to the homeless.
"Costică has become one of the key people at
«Casa Nicolae». He takes care of everyone who comes here. He
prepares meals, feeds those who can't manage on their own, walks
them around the yard, washes those who are unable. His dedication
has impressed us. He knows this is his home from now on. He knows,
feels, and behaves accordingly. He is a valuable person, who has
been through difficult times, a man who has learned to receive but
also to give," says Ionela.
"«Casa Nicolae» is a magical place,
surrounded by fields, greenery, an apple orchard, and cherry trees.
90 people receive three hot meals a day, medication, clothing, and
footwear, but also a lot of love. That selfless love, without
material goals, self-promotion or other hidden agenda. It is pure
love, born from kindness and compassion. This is the true magic of
«Casa Nicolae», a place where miracles happen daily through the
generosity and dedication of extraordinary people. Those who live
in «Casa Nicolae» are a big family, they help and support each
other when needed," Vlad Plăcintă, president of Asociația „Salvează
o inimă".
Asociația „Salvează o inimă"
(https://salveazaoinima.ro/en ) is a non-profit
organization dedicated to supporting children with serious medical
conditions through fundraising campaigns. Its mission is to offer
children and their families the chance at life-saving medical
treatments and to raise awareness of these critical illnesses.
Throughout its activities, the association has raised 20 million euros in donations.
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content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/breaking-barriers-salveaz-o-inim-association-200-000-for-homeless-people-housed-in-ceauescus-villa-302217812.html
SOURCE "Salvează o inimă" Association