In a world where the state should be the guarantor of social protection, 90 people from a small community in Botoșani, Romania, rely on the generosity of those around them for their daily survival. Casa Nicolae, a refuge for those who have lost everything, has become a symbol of humanity and solidarity in Romania. This house, located in the village of Rădeni, Frumușica commune, is maintained solely through donations, with no support from the government, functioning thanks to the extraordinary involvement of the online community and the residents of Botoșani.
Every day, 90 individuals, most of them elderly and homeless, receive a hot meal and a place to call “home,” thanks to the contributions of those who choose to donate or reserve meals from the online calendar. This is not just a story about charity; it’s a story of survival, about how the most vulnerable among us find hope in the kindness of others.
Unfortunately, in Romania, the state does not always fulfill its obligations to its citizens. The H.A.P.P.Y Association, which manages Casa Nicolae, has taken on this responsibility and turned it into a heartfelt mission. Every contribution, whether it’s a direct donation, reserving a hot meal, or organizing a memorial service at Casa Nicolae, makes a crucial difference in the lives of these people.
In a country where bureaucracy and negligence often hinder access to social services, the H.A.P.P.Y Association and Casa Nicolae are a living testament that community solidarity and involvement can compensate for the system’s shortcomings. Without government funds or subsidies, this house operates solely through the generosity of ordinary people who understand the importance of lending a helping hand to those in need.
Every hot meal provided at Casa Nicolae is more than just food; it is proof that there are still people who have not forgotten how to be human, who open their hearts to help. Every act of kindness is a priceless gift for those who have nothing left but the hope that, somewhere, someone will help them make it through another day.
This project serves as a powerful example for NGOs and communities in the United States, where homelessness and the lack of social safety nets are increasingly pressing issues. In American cities, there are countless individuals living on the streets, yet the level of community engagement and support remains insufficient to address the scale of the problem. Casa Nicolae stands as a model that can inspire U.S. NGOs and local communities to take action and create sustainable solutions for those most in need.
However, for this hope to stay alive, Casa Nicolae needs continuous support. The H.A.P.P.Y Association makes a heartfelt appeal to the online and local community in Botoșani to keep supporting this project. Every bit of help, no matter how small, makes a huge difference. From reserving a hot meal to paying for a day of electricity, every contribution is a step forward in ensuring the continuation of this humanitarian mission.
But we cannot ignore the painful question: Why must we depend on public generosity to care for the most vulnerable? Where is the state when these people need it most? Why must we rely on donations and community support to provide basic services that should be guaranteed by the authorities?
The answer, unfortunately, is a disappointing one. While the government promises reforms and social protection measures, the reality on the ground is quite different. People like those at Casa Nicolae are often left to fend for themselves, with no help from the state. It is an unacceptable situation in a society that claims to be modern and civilized.
In an ideal world, Casa Nicolae would be a partner of the state, not a substitute. Until that day comes, we remain grateful that there are people willing to make a difference, to give a piece of their hearts to bring a ray of hope to the lives of those forgotten by the system.
This is a call to conscience and humanity. Casa Nicolae, with the support of the H.A.P.P.Y Association and the community, will continue to be a refuge for the needy, but we cannot leave this burden solely on the shoulders of a few generous people. Systemic change is needed, greater involvement from the state, and recognition that all citizens deserve a dignified life. Until then, let us not forget to be compassionate, to be human.
How You Can Help:
- Reserve a hot meal from the online calendar
- Sponsor a day of electricity for Casa Nicolae
Help us continue providing a meal every day!
🔴 Reserve Lunch: bit.ly/43bcwQZ
🔴 Reserve Breakfast: bit.ly/3O5ivT6
🔴 Reserve Dinner: bit.ly/3JJAT1d
🔴🏦 Bank Accounts 🏦🔴
🎗️ H.A.P.P.Y Association Botosani 🎗️
CUI 33420329
Bank Account: BCR
🏦 RON:
H.A.P.P.Y Association
RO71 RNCB 0041 1470 3703 0001
RNCBROBU
🏦 EURO:
H.A.P.P.Y Association
RO44 RNCB 0041 1470 3703 0002
RNCBROBU
🏦 USD:
H.A.P.P.Y Association
RO17 RNCB 0041 1470 3703 0003
RNCBROBU
PAYPAL: asociatiahappy@gmail.com
REVOLUT: 0756 314 281
