About us
Vision and Mission
“Barka” is Polish for “lifeboat.” Wherever people need support, Barka is there – guided by the principle that every person deserves dignity, assistance, and prospects. From this, we derive the following vision and mission of Barka e.V.:
VISION: We are committed to a regenerative, socially just world where all people, regardless of origin, residency status, or life circumstances, have access to housing, community, and meaningful work.
MISSION: Our mission is to provide homeless and housing-insecure EU citizens with the necessary support – for example, in finding work and housing – to enable them to lead self-determined lives.
Our Approach
Our primary goal is to stabilise and integrate the people we support, enabling them to regain control over their lives.
We aim not only to provide temporary accommodation but also to empower individuals to reintegrate into society, whether through employment, education, or the development of social connections.
Team and Board
At Barka e.V., both professionals and staff with personal experience in addiction and homelessness work together.
Everyone on the team is committed to approaching those seeking help with empathy and dedication.
The Origins of the Barka Foundation for Mutual Assistance
Barka e.V. traces its roots back to the Barka Foundation for Mutual Assistance, founded in 1989 in Poland by psychologists Barbara Sadowska and Tomasz Sadowski.
A pivotal moment came in 1989, when the Sadowski couple, with their young children, moved into an abandoned school in Władysławowo in western Poland to provide shelter for people who had been particularly affected by the political and social transformation of the time.
This gave rise to a community where individuals with mental health conditions, as well as unemployed, homeless, and even formerly incarcerated people, could find a place. Thus, the foundation for the Polish Barka Foundation, with its unique approach, was established.
Transparency
The disclosure of an organisation’s objectives, the origin and use of its funds, as well as the names of decision-making personnel, is an important step towards transparency.
Here you can find information about Barka e.V., which should be published as part of the ITZ self-commitment declaration.
Media
On this page, you will find links to media reports on the work of Barka e.V. and other public communications, including international media coverage of Barka, as well as information on the public relations activities of the Barka Foundation for Mutual Assistance.
For inquiries from journalists and editorial teams, we are always happy to assist: mia.raben@barkade.eu