Spazio 11: the first solidarity waiting room in Trieste

A covered space where migrants and refugees can find shelter instead of being left on the streets. A place with armchairs to rest, hot drinks, power outlets to charge their phones, healthcare assistance, legal information, but above all, volunteers who welcome and guide them. This is the purpose of Spazio 11 – Solidarity Waiting Room, a space located at Via Udine 11, on the third floor of a facility made available by the Diocesan Caritas of Trieste. The initiative was designed by Donk-Humanitarian Medicine ODV, with the support of UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency, and was presented today, Wednesday, February 19, at the Sala Piccola Fenice in Via San Francesco d’Assisi, in the presence of the Bishop of Trieste, Mons. Enrico Trevisi, the President of Donk, Stefano Bardari, and Matteo Valentinuz, representative of UNHCR.

The service will be open every day from 7:00 PM to 7:30 AM. Initially, it will accommodate around seventy people, but both the number of guests and the operating hours may change depending on needs.

At the moment, the initiative does not receive public funding or agreements with public entities but is supported by a valuable contribution from the CRTrieste Foundation and relies on the generous participation of civil society.

"What we present today," said Mons. Trevisi, "is a piece of the great map of solidarity that already exists and that we want to expand. It extends in all directions of suffering and material and spiritual poverty. Last July in Trieste, Pope Francis reminded us: ‘We are called to be prophets, witnesses of the Kingdom of God, in every situation we live, in every place we inhabit.’ We embrace this mission with this new initiative. And I add that we will do more to support a form of charity that is increasingly engaging—an expression of hearts that do not step back. A passion that unites those motivated by the love of Christ with those who have different motivations but share the need to combine efforts, intelligence, resources, and time for those in need. I make an appeal to all people of goodwill to join this project, which we want to carry forward together—with individuals, associations, volunteers, and foundations united in the need to restore dignity to the poor and migrants arriving in Trieste from the Balkan Route.”

Stefano Bardari, President of Donk HM ODV, stated: "Donk's presence within Spazio 11 allows us to provide an immediate and professional response to the healthcare needs of those who have nowhere to seek refuge at night. Our volunteers have responded massively and positively, offering their availability even during the evening and night hours to ensure that on-site operators receive the best possible medical support and that everyone has access to the right to health. Every day, we work to build a world where solidarity, love for others, and peace are truly shared values that lead to a fairer and more inclusive future. For us, ‘care’ means respecting the dignity and well-being of every person.”

Matteo Valentinuz, representative of UNHCR, added: "UNHCR has contributed to the development of this project and will provide technical support through training for volunteers and staff working in the center, with particular attention to identifying vulnerable individuals. Additionally, UNHCR will provide asylum seekers with information on asylum rights and procedures in Italy.”