Brazil has nearly 400,000 people living on the streets
On Brazil’s National Day of Action for the Homeless, observed this Wednesday (Aug. 19), the country had 388,855 people living on the streets. São Paulo tops the national ranking, with 159,290 recorded cases. Rio ranks second, with 35,406, followed by Minas Gerais, which ranks third, with 34,849. The country’s National Policy for the Homeless Population was created in 2009 to ensure basic rights…
On Brazil's National Day of Action for the Homeless, the nation was home to an estimated 388,855 individuals living on the streets, according to data collected on August 19. São Paulo led the country with 159,290 cases, followed by Rio de Janeiro with 35,406 and Minas Gerais with 34,849. The Brazilian government established the National Policy for the Homeless Population in 2009, aiming to ensure basic rights for those living in extreme poverty and without housing.
By registering in the Unified Registry for Social Programs (CadÚnico), homeless individuals can access social services including healthcare, education, and housing. In Rio de Janeiro, 22,352 of the country's homeless population reside within the city limits. The state's policy for homeless individuals includes temporary shelters, food security programs, vocational training, job placement services, and multidisciplinary support.
Discrimination based on economic status, ethnicity, race, or health status is prohibited in the provision of these services. The story of writer Leonardo Motta illustrates the challenges and triumphs faced by those on the streets. After battling alcohol and drug addiction for two decades, Motta has been sober for nine years, lives on Rio's Paquetá Island, and has authored three books. He advocates for accepting help in overcoming homelessness.
Written by urgent.news from Agencia Brasil's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
