A “Mobile Support Space” for people living on the streets is starting work in Lviv. This is a new format of outreach support: in different districts of the city a specially equipped tent will be set up where people experiencing homelessness can receive social, medical and humanitarian support, as well as consultations with specialists. The first location will operate at 4 Pidvalna Street, in the “Na Valakh” square near the Gunpowder Tower.
The tent will operate once a week, each time in a different place. At the locations there will also be an opportunity to use a bus that will take people to 3A Kyrylivska Street, where at the Dzherelo Social Services Centre they can have a wash, do their laundry, have a meal and stay overnight. The project continues the city’s campaign to support people in crisis situations and complements winter initiatives, in particular the “Care Bus” and social outreach work.
The head of the Dzherelo Social Services Centre, Zoreslava Liulchak, stresses that homelessness does not disappear with the onset of warmer weather, and people’s needs remain the same: medical care, clean clothes, hygiene products, food, help restoring documents, consultations with social workers and the opportunity to return to a more stable life. The Centre is developing cooperation with medical institutions, civil society organisations, charitable foundations and volunteers in order to build a comprehensive support pathway for each person — from the first consultation or hot meal to shelter, employment and social reintegration.
The space at 3A Kyrylivska Street, which was initially created as an overnight shelter, now also operates as a day centre. Here people can have a wash, wash and dry their clothes, receive food and clothing, consult a social worker and access other support. Dzherelo plans to develop a network of services: affordable hot meals, a social canteen, laundries, showers and other everyday services. The “Mobile Support Space” is intended to become another “entry point” into this system, where people will be informed about what is available in Lviv and where they can turn next.
The first location of the mobile space at 4 Pidvalna Street was chosen for a reason: every Thursday since 2003 the Oselya Mutual Aid Community has been distributing food for people experiencing homelessness here. As part of the “Mobile Support Space”, people will be able to undergo an initial medical check-up, receive a change of clothes and footwear, personal hygiene products, talk to a social worker and learn about all available types of support. If needed, they will be referred to the Dzherelo Centre shelter at 3A Kyrylivska Street.
Healthcare professionals are also joining the work of the mobile space. The head of the Health Care Department of Lviv City Council, Marta Matiushko, notes that for people experiencing homelessness, access to healthcare is often complicated by the lack of documents, the absence of a declaration with a family doctor, or long-term neglect of health problems. At each location, specialists from Lviv’s First and Second Medical Associations will be working: they will carry out an initial examination, assess a person’s condition, measure key health indicators and, if necessary, provide first aid. A fully stocked first-aid kit and basic medical supplies will be available on site.
A separate focus is rapid express tests for viral hepatitis. These will be offered to everyone who wishes, as such diseases can remain asymptomatic for a long time and people often do not know about their condition. If risks are identified, the person will be informed about the next steps and referred to the appropriate medical institutions.
In August, the “Mobile Support Space” will operate according to the following schedule:
- 13 August, 12:00–16:00 — 4 Pidvalna Street (“Na Valakh” square near the Gunpowder Tower);
- 18 August, 12:00–16:00 — Povitriana Street (Levandivka Park);
- 24 August, 12:00–16:00 — 81 Chervonoi Kalyny Avenue (near the Dovzhenko Centre).
In September, the tent will operate according to the following schedule:
- 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).
According to the Director of the Humanitarian Policy Department of Lviv City Council, Valentyna Bartoshyk, the “Mobile Support Space” is a continuation of the city’s many years of systematic work to support people in difficult life circumstances. During the cold season, the “Care Bus” operates in Lviv, social outreach teams are on duty, and shelters, hot meal points, and clothing and hygiene product distribution points are open. Civil society and charitable organisations are actively involved in these initiatives, and every year new locations appear where people in need can have a free meal and receive support.
“Our care policy is about not waiting for a person to find the right institution on their own, but making support accessible, understandable and as close as possible. Because the first step towards change is often a simple human encounter and the feeling that you are not left alone with your problem,” concluded Valentyna Bartoshyk, Director of the Humanitarian Policy Department of Lviv City Council.
The overnight shelter and day centre at 3A Kyrylivska Street is one of the key support locations in Lviv. Last year, renovation work was carried out there using off-budget funds: separate rooms for men and women were arranged, accessible toilets for people with disabilities, showers, places for drying and storing clothes, as well as a safe, warm daytime space. Through such centres and outreach initiatives as the “Mobile Support Space”, the city aims not only to meet people’s basic needs for a single day, but also to help them gradually return to independent living.