The Romani (or ‘gypsies’) have been described as ‘a people without a country.’ They are persecuted throughout the world and are subject to discrimination in modern day Europe.

We have built relationships in Targu Mures, in northern Romania, where there are many families of gypsy people, who are amongst the most destitute people in the continent of Europe. Mainly living in shanty enclaves, in uninsulated huts, which are no more than pieces of scrap wood scavenged from rubbish dumps, nailed together as best they can.

Temperatures can be below freezing for over three months a year, with often one room shacks, no bigger than 3 x 4m, housing whole families, of up to 2 adults and 8 children. Children often have to go through dumpsters, looking for food scraps.

The Romanian authorities have shown themselves to be reluctant to register the births of these people and, without social security numbers, employment is unavailable, with no government help offered. Our initial project has been to create a centre to which the poor can come so they can use fundamental’s such as a laundry, showers, have some food, receive basic medical help, enjoy a play area for the children and find a general safe haven where they are valued.

We have purchased two small, attached houses to provide this sanctuary. Initial work has been carried out, including re-roofing one house and opening an interconnecting doorway between the two dwellings. When some other repairs have been completed, we will be fully up and running.