Cáritas launches helpline and appeal

CÁRITAS in the diocese of Orihuela-Alicante has launched a free helpline for the most vulnerable people and families during the coronavirus crisis: 900 921 936.

There are 151 parish branches of Cáritas around the province, which are providing help to households and the homeless.

They have been dealing with many requests over the telephone from people who have suddenly found themselves struggling in the current situation, as well as checking in on those who they were already looking after.

Those who did not need help before include many who lived from day to day in professions that they cannot continue under the state of emergency, such as street and market traders, fairground workers and scrap dealers, amongst others.

People whose work is sustained by tourism, especially in places along the coast, have also been seeking help from Cáritas.

In many cases psychological help is being given to support those who are scared by the insecurity of the situation.

In some deprived neighbourhoods Cáritas has handed out food and, especially in big towns, it is helping the elderly or unwell with shopping and other tasks, thanks to help from younger volunteers.

Agreements are also being reached with some local supermarkets so that families being helped by Cáritas can obtain enough food.

The Catholic Church organisation is also providing help and support to women in prostitution, and contacting law enforcement to check that these women’s security and wellbeing is assured.

It is also in contact with town halls’ social services and other charitable associations who are responding to the needs of vulnerable people.

All the Cáritas sheltered housing and homeless centres, which are located in Alicante, Elche, Guardamar, Orihuela and Petrer, are full and working as normally as possible, with all the occupants in confinement and services being increased to ensure good use of resources.

Given the worryingly high number of people still living on the streets of Alicante city, the Proyecto Nicolás is still providing attention and breakfasts, and food is being handed out from the San Esteban Protomartir and San Nicolás parish branch centres, and showers and laundry are available from the one in San Gabriel.

In Elche, Cáritas is also assisting at the temporary homeless shelter. As well as working alongside the DYA organisation and city hall, Cáritas is providing all the meals, beds and mattresses, medication, towels and changes of clothing.

Futhermore, the Cáritas employment service is still advising and providing online training to the people who will most urgently need to find work once the health crisis is over.

Its job placement agency is even finding some opportunities that have arisen because of the crisis, especially in healthcare.

In order to continue helping people who need it, either because they do not qualify for official aid or cannot wait for it to arrive, Cáritas OrihuelaAlicante has launched a fundraising campaign.

Donations can be made to the bank account ES66 0081 1490 7900 0101 5905.