MAKE IT HOME: VOLUNTEER FOR CHANGE IN SOFIA

CARITAS SOFIA
Sofia, Bulgaria
DESCRIPTION
Caritas Sofia partners with a crisis centre offering temporary accommodation for people experiencing homelessness, including individuals and families with children. The centre provides safe shelter, social support, and a stable environment for vulnerable people in urgent need. Child-friendly spaces help children rest, play, and feel secure during difficult times. We are seeking 9 volunteers for a 17-day project focused on improving the living conditions at the centre. Activities include: Building flower garden Decorating childrens room Restore outdoor play area Repainting the enterence Volunteers can join all activities and are encouraged to share creative ideas for improving the space. We are looking for motivated people with basic practical skills, teamwork, and a positive attitude. Experience in painting, DIY tasks, or simple construction work is welcome but not required for participation.
ACCOMMODATION, FOOD AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Accommodation will be in shared rooms in a hostel, divided into two rooms—one for men and one for women.
The hostel is located in Sofia city centre, offering great opportunities to explore the city during your free time.
Travel expenses—both international (arrival and departure) and local (within Bulgaria, related to the project)—will be reimbursed to participants. Volunteers will receive a daily allowance of €14 (€7 for food and €7 as pocket money), which will be reimbursed after the project is completed.
TRAINING DURING THE ACTIVITY
The volunteer will learn about the Caritas safe-guarding standard and about many other things, depending on his general role: social restaurant dynamics, refugee and Roma issues, teaching, playing and providing positive environment, digital media, working with people with disabilities, and more.
PARTICIPANT PROFILE
Working with homeless people in Bulgaria can be challenging. As a participant, it is important to be kind, honest, respectful, and open-minded. Volunteers should be flexible and eager to learn—we are looking for people who are motivated to support Caritas in meaningful ways. Advanced English, relevant experience, and technical skills are considered an advantage, but they are not required. What matters most is your attitude, motivation, and willingness to contribute.
ACTIVITY DATES
From 13/07/2026 to 29/07/2026
ACTIVITY LOCATION
Ilinden R.D., bl. 55, entr. 3, apt. 47, Sofia, Bulgaria
ACTIVITY TYPE
Volunteering teams
LOOKING FOR PARTICIPANTS FROM
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
ACTIVITY TOPICS
Social challenges
Citizenship and democratic participation
WASH (Water, sanitation and hygiene)
Shelter
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS
No application deadline
PROJECT CODE
2025-1-BG01-ESC51-VTJ-000345827
Link: https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/opportunity/51542_en