Alena Zharkevich

organized a Belarusian house in Kiev, and after the start of the war - in Bialystok.

Belarusians, who were persecuted by the authorities in their homeland, and Ukrainians who fled the war live in 20 rooms.

The history of the establishment of the shelter was described by the "Mediazone" publication.

Alena Zharkevich left Belarus in 2021 for Ukraine due to accusations of blocking roads, organizing protests and violence against security forces.

The activist left Belarus with her 13-year-old son

through Russia, crossing the border illegally.

The first time in Kiev, the family had to spend the night in a hostel, at the train station and even on the beach.

Alena was trying to find a job.

After what she experienced, she thought about organizing a place where Belarusians could come in a critical situation, "so that they don't wander".

Alena decided to rent a house, the first time Alena's friend helped her with the money.

Later, its residents - whoever could - contributed to the expenses of the house.

"People did not stay long in the Kyiv house.

They came to their senses after leaving, got a visa and went on to Europe or found housing in Ukraine.

Only those who had problems with documents stayed for a long time.

We even had those who did not have passports."

After the start of the war, Alena helped the residents of the Belarusian house to leave Ukraine.

She sent her son with them, and she stayed in Ukraine for another two months: she helped Belarusians and Ukrainians with evacuation, carried water to border crossings.

After some time, Alena herself moved to Poland.

There I learned that some Belarusians who have gone through repressions have problems, including housing.

Among them were those who already lived with Elena in Kiev.

Elena decided to look for a house again - the same as it was in Kiev.

A suitable one was found in Bialystok: it was cheaper and closer to Belarus, where people are fleeing.

In the contract that Zharkevich concluded with the owners of the house, it is stated that up to 25 people can live in it.

The Belarusian woman explained to the Poles what it will be used for.

The owners were not against it and supported the idea.

After vacating the house, Zharkevich went to the Mysau authorities, where she told that she wanted to help Belarusians fleeing the regime and Ukrainians.

They supported there.

Some Belarusians even received temporary registration in this house.

Now 19 people live in the house, 9 of them are children.

29 families managed to live in it during the work of the house in Poland.

"We will take as much as we need.

Yes, it will be crowded, but those who have passed through Akrestin understand that in a critical situation, you can sleep even in such conditions.

An inflatable mattress will be just happiness," says the owner of the shelter.

A Belarusian house in Bialystok costs PLN 5,000 per month.

Residents and those who lived in the Belarusian house in Kyiv and now settled their lives help with the payment.

Alena says that fighters from Kalinovsky's regiment are ready to help if needed.

For a time, relatives of some fighters lived there, and since then volunteers have kept in touch and offered help.

If in Ukraine the guests did not stay for a long time, now the situation has changed - people have to wait for a decision on legalization in Poland, and it takes more time.

Both Belarusians and Ukrainians live in the house.

"It is important to know about it, to talk about it in Ukraine.

To know that Belarusians and Ukrainians live together.

They should know that Belarusians are also under fire in Ukraine, about 700 detainees on February 27," says

.