On Saturday, June 1st, from 10am to 3pm, Casa Restaura-me, in Brás (SP), promoted a social action in partnership with Humanday Institute. Around 600 homeless people were assisted with various services, such as delivery of clothes and blankets, hygiene kits, haircuts, games, karaoke, cotton candy, popcorn, assistance from the Public Defender's Office, social services and health services.

The action is part of the ongoing work of Alliance of Mercy Community Centers, which seek to meet the basic needs of homeless people, such as food, hygiene and social support, but also promote spaces for listening, coexistence and starting over.

A Casa Restaura me in São Paulo It offers daily meals, a place to shower and wash clothes, as well as services such as a cafeteria, library, computer room, bazaar and vocational courses. During their stay at the space, many users begin a process of reflection on their own history and, when they wish, are referred to therapeutic communities, family reunions or actions that help them get off the streets.

One of the brothers who was helped on the day of the action shared a little about his experience:

“If there was a name for what is happening here today, it would be indescribable, you know? […] Everything was good, it was classified for us in the best possible way, it helped everyone. […] I spent the night loading trucks, I earned 80 reais, I was able to pay my children’s alimony and, look, I didn’t drink, I’m fine, I’m sober, you can see my face. […] I had seen a jacket when it was being distributed and a guy took it. A little while later he came up to me and said: ‘Bro, you wanted to take the jacket, right? Then here’s the jacket for you’. That’s harmony, right? We help each other. I can only thank you.”

Initiatives like this show how welcoming and paying attention to details can generate hope, bonds and, in many cases, new beginnings.