Corona-Virus, let's not forget the homeless!

They are often dirty, addicted to addictions, sick. There is no chance of so-called normal life. Sometimes this is to blame for the unfortunate weave of events, but sometimes they choose such an existence themselves. Homeless - socially unadapted, lonely.

Under normal conditions, they somehow cope but in the current epidemic of coronavirus their previous ways of survival do not work.

Don't leave the house? Put on a washed and ironed mask? Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly? It's unreal.

Some do not even realise the dangers of the coronavirus epidemic as they usually don’t have access to news and social media for information.

According to data from the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy there are more than 30,300 homeless people in Poland.

There are also children among them.

Family conflicts, lack or loss of work, eviction or addiction has pushed them to the margins or society.

What do they live on?

Some of the allowances come from donations and the rest is whatever they can get or find. Some of these people are in social care facilities, others live in vacant states, plot sentry, abandoned garages.

As in Gliwice, for example, my former hometown.

Volunteers like Mr. Piotr S. and Mrs. Ewa C. are rare. They have regulary, and for a long time, taken care of the homeless in Silesia.

Personally engaged, they try to solve the individual problems and needs of the needy.

Most people loathe the homeless and they bypass the subject.

And yet they are not criminals, but most often people who simply do not cope in the so-called "normal" world. Their dramatic fate now during the corona virus epidemic has deteriorated even further.

This is a group particularly exposed to infections. due to low opportunities to take care of hygiene, health or age.

Limiting contact with other people is often an unworkable task.

And the slogan "Stay home" – for most of them sounds like a gloomy joke.

During the epidemic, some homeless facilities had curtailed their activities. They lost access to places where they could count on help. Moreover, organizations or associations supporting the homeless now have more problems in getting food, preparing a warm meal and clean clothes.

In addition, there is an urgent need to ensure even minimal protection against a dangerous virus. Despite the efforts of local governments, social organizations and many private individuals, there is a lack of resources for disinfection and personal protection, as well as ordinary cleaning products.

Today, homeless people need our support more than ever!

Every gesture of good will counts!

Yvonne Pawluk