Social assistance and charity projects

a junction that can make difference for the unhoused population

Abstract

This present article analyses the need/possibility of joining forces with the public power, by means of social assistance and charity projects, to raise awareness among the unhoused population regarding their possibility of becoming beneficiaries of the continuous cash benefit program that aims the elderly and persons with disabilities. In a first instant, we shall see the difference between the institutes of social assistance and welfare, with a glimpse into the evolution of the former up to the protection currently present in the Brazilian Federal Constitution. Afterwards, we shall verify the possible difficulties faced by social assistances projects in reaching out to a larger part of the unhoused population, indicating possible pathways to embrace a larger and growing number of vulnerable individuals. Lastly, we shall provide a perspective for a short-term future, with a more active participation of public agencies and the organized society, always striving for the dignity of those unhoused and to eradicate poverty and mitigate social inequalities.