Costa Crociere Foundation, the foundation established by Costa Crociere, and the Community of Sant’Egidio has made progress with its “Housing the Homeless” project.
Through this project, launched in the fall of 2014 and supported by funds from the foundation, six apartments in Genoa’s historic centre were renovated and assigned by the Community of Sant’Egidio to 12 people in need or homeless, including a family with children.
“Through the project “Housing the Homeless”, the Costa Crociere Foundation aims at providing a concrete answer to assist the most vulnerable in our city, those living on the street. And this situation has worsened in recent years due to the continuing economic crisis. Security and permanency guaranteed by a home are the prerequisites for improving the life of these people and for helping them regain social and economic independence,” said Paola Girdinio of the Costa Crociere Foundation.
“Everyday Sant’Egidio helps women and old people living on the streets, in a particularly difficult situation. Costa Cruises Foundation allows us to take care of them in a more effective way and to expand our operations in favour of the weaker sections of the population,” said Andrea Chiappori, Head of the Community of Sant’Egidio for Liguria.
The six apartments are owned by ASP Emanuele Brignole institution, which provided them under a concession for the social housing project promoted by the Costa Crociere Foundation. The renovation included cleaning, installation of heating systems, maintenance of kitchen and bathroom functions, as well as acquisition of mattresses, pillows, blankets, decorations and other essential items.
Housing assignment is managed by the Community of Sant’Egidio. Starting from a home to live in, the goal is to develop individual paths toward social and human reintegration to help people and families in need reacquire their independence.
The first people moved into the homes at the end of January. Currently, three women, five men and a family of four (two parents and two children) are living in the apartments. The Community of Sant’Egidio, with the help of the Costa Crociere Foundation, is offering them psychological and social support through a tutor who interacts with them every day, managing the daily activities of the project.
