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Bratislav StoyanovichSerbian homeless man
Country:
 Serbia |
Content:
- The Unusual Dwelling of Bratislav Stojanovic
- Finding Solace in the Cemetery
- A Community of the Homeless
- Fearless in the Presence of Death
- Hygiene and Socialization
- Statistics and Social Support
The Unusual Dwelling of Bratislav Stojanovic
Bratislav Stojanovic, a 45-year-old Serbian homeless man, has gained global attention for his extraordinary living space: a grave. After losing his job and home in a fire, Stojanovic initially relied on the kindness of friends and searched for affordable housing. However, he eventually resorted to sleeping in public spaces.
Finding Solace in the Cemetery
Tired of being displaced, Stojanovic found refuge in the cemetery of Nis, Serbia. Initially, he slept on a bench, but as temperatures dropped, he cleared debris from an abandoned grave and made it his home. Today, after 15 years, the cemetery has become his sanctuary.
A Community of the Homeless
Stojanovic is not alone in the cemetery. Another homeless man resides nearby, and they often spend time together. For sustenance, Stojanovic relies on discarded food in trash bins or occasional handouts from local residents.
Fearless in the Presence of Death
Remarkably, Stojanovic has no fear of his deceased "neighbors." He believes it is the living who pose a threat, not the dead. His philosophy is simple: "I don't touch you; you don't touch me."
Hygiene and Socialization
Stojanovic maintains his hygiene by bathing at a public bathhouse when he has money. However, transportation costs and the distance often prevent him from doing so regularly. In his free time, he observes people attending the cemetery church, timing how long they spend inside.
Statistics and Social Support
Stojanovic is one of approximately 200,000 homeless individuals in Serbia. While homeless shelters and social programs exist in only 12 Serbian cities, the issue of homelessness remains prevalent.
