Former director Grigory Sverdlin looks back on how Russia’s Nochlezhka homeless charity built shelters, showers, and laundries while expanding into Moscow

Since 1990, the charity Nochlezhka has helped people experiencing homelessness access food, shelter, medical care, psychological support, and legal assistance. Grigory Sverdlin led the organization for more than a decade, from 2011 to 2022. Under his leadership, Nochlezhka launched numerous projects: Neravnodush, a free shower facility; the Counseling Service, which provides legal and social assistance; the Cultural Launderette, where people experiencing homelessness can wash and dry their clothes for free; and a Moscow branch that opened despite threats and harassment from local residents, of