Villa María opens a night shelter with food and medical care for homeless people.

As a result of the low temperatures affecting much of the country, and given the situation of several homeless people in this city, starting this Tuesday, July 1st, the headquarters of the Metalworkers' Union (UOM) in Villa María will be transformed into a night shelter, where shelter and care services will be provided to those who need it.

To frame this action, a dozen social, religious, and territorial organizations, along with unions and the local municipality, announced the formation of the Comprehensive Approach Council for People Living on the Street.

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In the official presentation of the organization, it was stated that the goal is to unify strategies to counteract the impact of low temperatures.

The City Council reported that it has identified 28 people living on the streets or in extreme vulnerability in the city, some of whom are already receiving food assistance and shelters.

In addition to the local government and the UOM, the Diocese of Villa María, soup kitchens and food banks, the Truck Drivers' Union, the Pastoral Council, the local APDH, and university student centers are participating.

"There is a reality and that is that we cannot force anyone to be within a space, but we can accompany them as we have been doing and at the same time add this extra: a space where the person can have a place to bathe, a place to dine with dignity, sleep, and in the morning have breakfast and return to their usual activities," explained Agustín Turletti Mino, the municipality's Secretary of Human Development.

From the Bishopric, Father Maximiliano Savoretti emphasized the importance of working together: “The only way to do this is by working together; there's no other way. We must work in unity as the Christian family that we are,” he said.

The UOM is making its headquarters at 1471 Buenos Aires Street available. Leonardo Lualdi, a representative of the metalworkers' union, added: "It's important that we all lend a hand; no one can save themselves alone. The union is here to help and is working to unite its supporters."

People who attend the shelter will receive dinner, a bed available each night, and a shower and breakfast before leaving the following morning. The Ministry of Health will conduct basic checks and address cases of problematic substance use. Efforts will also be made to reconnect homeless people with their families and society.

For those interested in volunteering, the Ministry of Health and Human Development will open this opportunity to anyone over 18 years of age.

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