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In Europe, the representatives of this marginal group are around 700 000, but especially in Bulgaria there isn’t an exact statistic of their count. In Cologne, Germany, abandoned buildings in which homeless people live, are being demolished, so new and more important projects could be realized. The lack of accommodation is a precedent for residing on the streets. There an important law is the one for the strongest, but is this law implemented in this times of the COVID-19 pandemic?
For this article, we interviewed the social assistant of “Karitas Burgas” ( consortium of social workers for assistance of the homeless people) Desislava Goranova and the leader of the Bulgarian Red Cross Burgas- Violeta Radeva. “In my opinion, the treatment of the homeless people is different, because everyone has their own opinion on this matter. The people, who were left on the streets, have different reasons that brought them to the situation. A part of them really does not want to go back to the normal life. There are many people who donate their belongings or buy food. Others are depreciating the homeless, and hold them accountable for the situation” says Violeta Radeva. “In many cases, the people don’t have the proper education, information and resources, therefore they need our help and the situation gets harder”, shares the social assistant Desislava Goranova. “But other institutions, for example the hospitals, look down on these people, as they do not have the needed health insurance. And even if a situation is urgent, the homeless are always put in the second place. “ On 11.12.2020, the clone of the organization in Sofia raised money to purchase a PCR test for a homeless man, due to the fact that he had to be accepted into the Center for temporary accommodation in the “Acacia” neighbourhood. For the homeless people the resources for these tests are ensured by the financial aid of “Social help”. And still, even though the government bears the costs of such matters, in a moment of need the people have their needs denied, because the one-time payments for the period have ended. The whole problem lays in the bureaucracy. “When we asked for help, we did not receive it, because it was needed in another city. The man, who applied for the financial aid has to constantly check if he has done everything in the time span and whether the accommodation in the shelter is still valid. Currently, we have a case, in which the one-month decision for accommodation will end and the man will not get the money for the test because of the holidays. He can’t get the money on time and will receive them later in January” shared Desislava. The man in question is named Konstantin Angelov and he is 34 years old. During the interview with Mrs. Goranova, this man is showering in the bathroom of the “Karitas Burgas” Centre. The necessary funds for his test are raised, but he will receive them on the 20th of January, but to that date Konstantin, who has tuberculosis, remains living in the streets. “I am feeling threatened when I am in the streets, but because of “Karitas Burgas” I believe that I can be accepted for the shelter”adds the homeless man. “We are constantly writing letters, in which we ask for information on how to proceed. However, they only act when the problem escalates, as it does right now with the homeless people with a positive PCR test” When the problem with the money for Konstantin occurred, “Karitas Burgas” realised what a struggle the whole process, regarding the institution, bureaucracy and the submission of applications actually is. He is angry, sad and hurt, because he constantly has closed roads ahead of him. Since the 11th of December the center has been fighting for Konstantin to be accepted in the shelter. The institutions’ message in such situations is “If you can, give up”. A month before that, there are problems in Burgas once again. Supposedly, the homeless people do not have money to cover the physical needs of having a normal life. Nevertheless, a homeless man is fined 600 leva on 07.11.2020. Desislava also says that the first fine, with a cost of 300 leva is because the man was sitting alone on a bench at the park, when going out was forbidden, and the following fine was on the next day due to him not wearing a mask. Then, two lawyers step up and help in the appeal of these fines. This man does not have anything to give, cannot pay the fines, he is also diagnosed with epilepsy and a mental deficit. After all these problems and misunderstandings, there is one question: “Where is the government?”. Are they blind? Boyko Borisov claims that no one will be left hungry, but if so, then why the needs of this marginal and vulnerable group are not met properly. Hundreds of people apply for the social programme, which ensured 24 leva a day, but suddenly they are being lied to and even if they need half of the sum, they do not receive it. They do not have money for food and then it’s time for the Bulgarian Red Cross to step in. “In the moment, there really is not a man left hungry. There is a countless number of programmes. For yet another year the Bulgarian Red Cross gives out food packages and social aid. This is an initiative of the program for European organization for food and financial aid. Last year, 11 000 homeless people and those in a tough social situation received these packages twice. One package weights 25 kilograms. Many different donators, non- governmental organizations and rotary associations often help too” adds Radeva. “We, from the Bulgarian Red Cross, helped 900 homeless people in Burgas, in March and April 2020, with the essential food products. There was a campaign to raise money for financial aid, which helped purchase the food” According to the leader of the Bulgarian Red Cross Burgas, the weak activity and information is often the reason for a person to be easily lied to. There is not a way for a non-governmental sector to constantly know who is in trouble and who needs help, and that is why it’s so important for them to seek help, therefore to apply to different social programs. The Bulgarian Red Cross ensured the food, and “Karitas Burgas “gives out lots of clothes. The small center possesses many donated clothes, blankets and even shaving foam. The two organization have a common work. Events like “Buy and donate” and “Warm lunch” connect the organisations not only through financial aid, but also through the attention that they give to the homeless. The two women find the French innovative idea “A box for Christmas” as an easy, successful and generous. “The people of Burgas have big and generous hearts” they share with a smile on their face. The homeless- a big and risky group. We will hardly reach Finland’s attitude towards the homeless. Reforms and changes like free or cheaper tap water in the restaurants and cafés are a must for an ensured access for all vulnerable groups. Organisations like the BRC and “Karitas” give the most precious thing they have- time. Why should the old train wagons be used as a temporary accommodation for the homeless instead of being sold? Because not having a home means always being cold, going to the toilet in bushes, being hungry, insecure, not having money, losing yourself and being alone. How much does a home mean?!
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