Caritas Russia has been helping people in need for over 30 years. As part of the Catholic Church in the country, it works in many cities and villages, focusing on four important areas: supporting families, young people, refugees and internally displaced persons, and the elderly.

Caritas provides a wide range of support services to empower disadvantaged individuals and communities, to improve their living conditions and to give them a sense of hope. Families are at the core of Caritas’ work; on average, the families that need support have more than three children, often raised by single mothers. Some of the mothers face mental and psychological issues, some are at risk of losing their children.

The families Caritas supports struggle financially, often spending half of their income on rent or mortgage, which puts them below the poverty line. They are burdened with significant debt due to easy access to loans in Russia. To address these challenges, the social workers help family members improve their financial security by increasing their income, helping with expenses and addressing debt. Caritas also runs projects in rural areas, recognising the specific needs and vulnerabilities of those communities.

Caritas provides essential support to families experiencing extreme difficulties, particularly victims of family violence. It also maintains essential aid projects, such as soup kitchens and shower facilities, which continue to play a vital role in meeting immediate needs.

Young Caritas in Russia also supports vulnerable children through various programmes and initiatives. The typical child is between 7 and 12 years old. A significant proportion come from families grappling with addiction issues. Sadly, a considerable number of the children also struggle with addiction. Many experience bullying in school, lack friendships and face challenges related to personal hygiene and education. Financial difficulties, including living below the poverty line, exacerbate their situation even more.

Caritas staff works closely with young individuals to facilitate their integration into society. This includes providing language support, assisting with school enrolment and offering material support like meals, clothing and essential items. Caritas also extends its reach to migrant families, who often face dire poverty and struggle with language barriers; the staff helps them find stable housing, access education and establish connections with their home countries.

Caritas Russia actively assists refugee families, particularly those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. These families often face multiple challenges, including limited education, the destruction of their homes and compromised health due to the harsh realities of war. The staff provides material support, helping refugees access state support systems and facilitate their integration into local communities, fostering a sense of belonging and safety.

A long-term vision to help the elderly

Caritas Russia recognises the specific needs of the elderly and extends support to this vulnerable group. Many elderly clients suffer from severe conditions like stroke, trauma and cancer. Most of the care is provided by their children or elderly spouses, which puts a significant burden on the caregivers.Financial and rehabilitation support are critical needs for many elderly people, particularly for those unable to access the healthcare system. Caritas focuses on extending its work with regional institutions, collaborating with hospitals and developing long-term care strategies.

Caritas Russia also aims to establish an elderly home in Novosibirsk and two assisted-living facilities in Marx, creating safe and nurturing environments for seniors in need.

Jesus’ command to his disciples: “You, yourselves, give them something to eat!” (Mk. 6:37), means working to eliminate the structural causes of poverty and to promote the integral development of the poor, as well as small daily acts of solidarity in meeting the real needs which we encounter.”

Pope Francis in his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (2013)

In fact, Caritas Russia’s dedication is to build stronger communities and help the most vulnerable.