A new format of outreach support for people living on the streets has started operating in Lviv — the “Mobile Support Space”. In a specially equipped tent, homeless people can receive social, medical and humanitarian assistance, as well as consultations with specialists. The tent is set up weekly in different districts of the city.
At the mobile space, visitors are offered an initial medical check-up, a change of clothes and footwear, personal hygiene products, as well as the opportunity to speak with a social worker about available types of support. If needed, people are referred to the shelter of the Dzherelo Social Services Centre at 3A Kyrylivska St, where they can wash for free, do their laundry, have dinner, stay overnight and receive comprehensive support.
The project is being implemented as part of the city campaign to support people in crisis situations. While in winter Lviv operated a “Care Bus”, now social workers and medical staff travel directly to different parts of the city to be closer to those who need help.
“This is a new format of support for homeless people. Our aim is to build a bridge of trust, because there are many cases when we see people who have ended up on the street but refuse help. And we cannot force help on them. But when we go out in this format, people interact with us more, become more open and start to trust us. It is very important to us that a person wants us to help them. The tent operates once a week — each time in a different location,” — Tetiana Kolesnyk
At each location, doctors from Lviv’s First and Second Medical Associations are on duty. They carry out an initial examination, measure key health indicators and, if necessary, provide first aid. Basic medical supplies and a fully stocked first-aid kit are available on site.
Rapid express tests for viral hepatitis are also available in the tent. The organisers stress that such diseases often have no pronounced symptoms for a long time, so timely testing helps identify risks, explain the next steps and refer a person to the appropriate medical facility.
Schedule of the “Mobile Support Space” in September:
- 3 September, 12:00–16:00 — 4 Pidvalna St (“Na Valakh” square near the Gunpowder Tower);
- 8 September, 12:00–16:00 — Povitriana St (Levandivka Park);
- 14 September, 12:00–16:00 — 81 Chervonoi Kalyny Ave (near the Dovzhenko Centre);
- 24 September, 12:00–16:00 — 4 Pidvalna St (“Na Valakh” square near the Gunpowder Tower);
- 29 September, 12:00–16:00 — Povitriana St (Levandivka Park).
Additional information about the work of the “Mobile Support Space” can be obtained via the contact centre of the Dzherelo Social Services Centre or by calling the city social support service on 16-20.