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Human Being in the Streets Mirella Gomes NMO: IFMSA-Brazil Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil mirellacristinasg@gmail.com
Homeless people are often seen as a neglected population, whom is frequently marginalized and hard to be reached through public health efforts. They live in constantly vulnerable environments, surviving on the streets with interrupted or weakened family ties, most of the times having no residency. Several obstacles have to be overpassed, day after day, such as extreme weather conditions, loneliness, illnesses, unsatisfactory hygiene habits, physiological needs and invisibility to governmental institutions. In consequence, violence, hunger and fear are generated. This particular group also faces the prejudice and contempt from our society, beyond the barriers imposed by their life stories, which not only decrease their self-esteem but also preclude certain social interactions. Given our concern, as medical students, with the inhumane conditions that homeless people have to live with in Brazil, the central idea of the ‘Human Being in the Streets’ is,
through a multidisciplinary approach, to confront and mitigate some of the adverse situations they face. It also intends to generate hope, improve self-esteem, and encourage social inclusion, by improving related social parameters and offering new opportunities and life prospects. It also aims to raise awareness of how societies often discriminate these populations instead of promoting equal rights. The key message of this project is that there is always someone who needs help and there is always a way to provide it. ‘Human Being in the Streets’ has a duration of 8 weeks, and participants can assist with meals, psychological assistance (recreational activities, community therapies, painting, conversation, music and dance) and legal assistance. Moreover, homeless people can take a bath, cut their hair and beard. They receive clothes, shoes and personal hygiene kits, and medical and dental care is also provided. Hence, we have some workshops to promote new opportunities.
Medical Students Worldwide | Taiwan AM 2014