Caring for people at risk in Albania

Providing support for very poor families and senior citizens

Albania is a nation struggling with the consequences of decades of isolation and misrule. Outside of the capital city Tirana, social services are almost non-existent. Elderly with no family or friends to support them in hard times and families with no income very quickly become desperate. Our partner organisation, A2B, stands in the gap.

Taking care of the poorest families

A2B intervenes when local families are in desperate need. Often, but not always, these are single mothers, either widows or survivors of abuse and struggling to look after their families.

Marjeta was mistreated and abandoned by her husband. She was left to look after four children with no income or savings. She made some money collecting and selling scrap metal but it was not even enough to feed the family. Buying food on credit, Marjeta became heavily indebted. She became so desperate that she considered taking her own life. At her lowest ebb, A2B were able to help Marjeta and her children with food and essential items, and are committed to helping the family back onto their feet with a long-term plan.

Families are supported through a sponsorship programme in the UK and Albania.

It costs £75 to cover the cost of monthly essentials for a mother with three children – but regular monthly support is welcome at any level!

If you would like to help a family in desperate need, you can set up monthly support here.

For further information please get in touch with us at a2b@houseofopportunity.org.

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Looking after lonely seniors

The Buka e Jetes (Bread of Life) day centre feeds more than 80 elderly people daily. For many this will be their only decent meal that day. It is also a place for socialising with friends, celebrating birthdays and community events, and receiving practical support or a listening ear from a mix of volunteers, visitors and pastors led by staff from our partners in Albania, A2B. The centre also helps with the monitoring of health problems and can provide financial support when medicines are needed.

A2B also operate a House of Opportunity in Elbasan, and Early Years Education programmes in the city and nearby towns of Peqin and Rrogozhinë, as well as a Foodbank.