The Association Maria Skobtsova (Maria Skobtsova Association) was organized in 2016 as a prayerful presence among refugees in Calais, France.
It fulfills its mission in three ways:
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Managing
Maria Skobtsova House, a safe house for vulnerable exiles. -
Recruiting volunteers who live in the house and share domestic tasks with the guests, offer a family atmosphere and build relationships.
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Maintaining a prayerful presence in Calais among both those in exile and the local residents. This is accomplished by holding daily prayer times which everyone is welcome to join, regardless of their faith tradition.
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Serving alongside other associations in the city meeting the physical, social and spiritual needs of the displaced from every nation.
Born from the Catholic worker tradition, the house retains many features of that movement – most notably, its flexible response to immediate need and seeking to include the guests in decision-making within a framework developed by the Association.
Workers maintain work with every community of exiles across Calais, offering practical and spiritual support (especially at times of major festivals). The Association offers:
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Connect people with legal and psychological support as they decide whether to remain in France or seek asylum elsewhere.
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Support for exiles accessing hospital and other medical services.
- Support for exiles from the house who seek asylum in the United Kingdom through our partner,
Peaceful Borders.
