Last Thursday, July 25, Cristiane Freitas, first lady of the State of São Paulo and president of the São Paulo Social Fund, visited Casa Restaura-me de São Paulo, a project of Aliança de Misericórdia that provides assistance to people in a street situation. During the visit, Cristiane delivered 100 blankets, 30 hats and 50 pet clothes, the result of the Coat Campaign, which has the support of several football teams in the state.

Casa Restaura-me offers a set of essential services, including daily meals, space for showering and washing clothes, as well as a coffee shop, library, computer room, bazaar and professional courses. During the visit, the First Lady got to know the services offered up close, highlighting the bazaar, the grocery store, the cafeteria, the library, the computer room, the social bank and the social laundry.

The delivery of the blankets took place in a ceremonial event, where Cristiane Freitas and her team were able to hear emotional testimonies. Geraldo, a volunteer who shared his story of recovering from drug addiction, moved everyone by singing a song that touched the first lady deeply. Then, Gumercindo, the first employee of Casa Restaura-me, also shared his testimony, highlighting the importance of the project in his life and in rescuing many people from Cracolândia.

The visit was accompanied by Col. Henguel, Chief Secretary of the Military House and Coordinator of State Civil Defense. At the end of the ceremony, 100 blankets were delivered, which will be distributed among the residents of Casa Restaura-me, reinforcing the commitment of the São Paulo Social Fund and Aliança de Misericórdia to the dignity and well-being of people in vulnerable situations .

COEXISTENCE CORE

The Coexistence Centers of Aliança de Misericórdia, called “Casa Restaura-me”, offer homeless people care for their basic and primary needs, such as food and hygiene, which is the main objective of the users. However, by attending the space, participating in training, interacting with employees, missionaries and volunteers, they begin a process of recognizing their qualities, skills, weaknesses and limitations. Participants reflect on their lives and at this stage can request to be welcomed into a drug addiction recovery facility or by calling their family. Thus, the methodology generates the restoration of the human and facilitates a qualified exit from the streets.

The Centers also offer social, legal, psychological and medical assistance (assistance carried out by volunteers or partnerships), professional courses, sports, cultural, recreational and pedagogical activities, basic health guidelines, pressure measurement and dressings; referral to the social assistance network for the preparation of documents (RG, CPF, birth certificate) and guidelines for requests for benefits, pensions and court orders.