A “Mobile Support Space” has started operating in Lviv – a travelling tent where homeless people can receive social, medical and humanitarian assistance. The space operates once a week in different parts of the city to bring services closer to those living on the streets.
In the specially equipped tent, visitors are offered an initial medical check-up, a change of clothes and footwear, personal hygiene products, as well as consultations with social workers on the types of support available. If needed, people are referred to the shelter of the Dzherelo Social Services Centre at 3A Kyrylivska Street, 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’s campaign to support people in crisis situations. Previously, during the winter, the “Care Bus” operated in Lviv, and now social workers and medical staff travel directly to different parts of the city.
“This is a new format for supporting 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 streets but refuse help. And we cannot force help on them. But when we go out in this format, people engage 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 will operate once a week – each time in a different location. There will also be an opportunity to use a bus running to 3A Kyrylivska Street, where homeless people will be able to wash,” said Tetiana Kolesnyk
At each location, medical staff 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. The tent is equipped with basic medical supplies and a fully stocked first-aid kit.
Visitors are also offered rapid express tests for viral hepatitis. The organisers stress that such diseases often progress for a long time without pronounced symptoms, so timely testing helps identify risks, explain the next steps and refer a person to the appropriate medical facility.
In its first week, the “Mobile Support Space” was located on Pidvalna Street near the Gunpowder Tower, where the Oselya Mutual Aid Community organises meals for homeless people every Thursday. On the first day, 80 people used the services of the mobile space.
The tent will operate according to the previously announced schedule:
- 18 August, 12:00–16:00 — Povitriana Street (Levandivka Park);
- 24 August, 12:00–16:00 — 81 Chervonoi Kalyny Avenue (near the Dovzhenko Centre);
- 3 September, 12:00–16:00 — 4 Pidvalna Street (Na Valakh Square near the Gunpowder Tower);
- 8 September, 12:00–16:00 — Povitriana Street (Levandivka Park);
- 14 September, 12:00–16:00 — 81 Chervonoi Kalyny Avenue (near the Dovzhenko Centre);
- 24 September, 12:00–16:00 — 4 Pidvalna Street (Na Valakh Square near the Gunpowder Tower);
- 29 September, 12:00–16:00 — Povitriana Street (Levandivka Park).
Additional information is available via the contact centre of the Dzherelo Social Services Centre or by calling the social support service on 16–20.