Warsaw’s ugliest building — the Central Railway Station — is now the most beautiful place in town. The station has become the heart of Grupa Centrum, a spontaneous citizen movement helping refugees from Ukraine. The volunteers here are demonstrating the power of true solidarity — and encouraging others to join in.

It’s noon at the Warsaw Central Station and Karolina, twenty-four, briefs a new shift. This former teacher, one of Grupa Centrum‘s founders, is unmissable in her neon orange vest and hat. “Any questions, worries, problems — come to see me,” she says to twenty volunteers of various ages who will be under her supervision for the next six hours.

The first thing to master: the station’s new topography. Even those who know the place well have to learn the new functions of its particular areas. Two central service islands in the main hall that used to sell food and drinks are now information points. “Refugees come here to find transport and accommodation, get a free SIM card, and receive some basic medication,” explains Karolina.