Homeless - Street People - Hogar de Cristo USA

In 2022, almost 9,500 users were welcome in 90 programs.

About 16 percent of the over 19,000 people living on the streets in Chile are women. Stigma, bullying, struggle, and uncertainty are threats to any homeless. BUT FOR WOMEN, it’s by far more dangerous and humiliating! There’re several unique challenges only they know well: Having a period without access to supplies; permanently watching due to fear of sexual assault; being pregnant and not having the needed services, etc.

Feeling unwanted or ignored is one of the cruelest and most degrading ways of poverty. Historically homeless have been socially excluded, a matter of fundamental rights not fulfilled yet.

CASEN 2017-2020 shows extreme poverty doubled from 240,000 to 480,000. It also raised a flag about the urgency of an integrated public policy to address this social problem.

The same stat shows that immigrants, women, children, and adolescents were more affected. Any consistent solution solves the lack of affordable and permanent housing.

Currently, it is estimated that over 19,000 live on the streets -until a new figure is published by the government (CASEN) to collect data about post-pandemic, economic/social crisis, and immigrants impact.

Therefore, we focus on raising awareness of Homelessness and the rights of people who are homeless. Despite living in extreme adversity and poverty, we consider them citizens with skills and abilities to be developed and strengthened for social inclusion. We believe that the solution to people experiencing Homelessness can best be found through the support, commitment, unity, and non-judgment of society.

Reception: We provide psychosocial support services to people experiencing Homelessness in our facilities and on the street. Our professionals and volunteers work the streets and territories of the country day and night.

“Centro de Encuentro” (meeting Center): Our Center is open daily and provides services for primary care, health, shelter, and psychosocial support, as well as educational and recreational group activities.

“Casa de Acogida”: Programs that promote the social inclusion of homeless people over age 50 through ongoing psychosocial assistance. We offer a program centered around personal change, connecting with peers, and reconnecting with the social environment for those living on the street.

Shelters: Our shelters provide overnight accommodations, food, and essential support services for street people in all the centers across the country. At our hostels, people experiencing Homelessness, who are those most excluded in society, will find the support of many volunteers and groups.

Housing First Program CHILE

Shelters are not the long-term solution,

So far, over 540 people have been beneficiaries of our program and have left the streets. Nevertheless, still, there is a long way to go!

The housing first program concept is precisely that, providing immediate access for people experiencing Homelessness to permanent housing. Its fundamental principle is that people can better advance their lives if they are first housed and their essential rights are respected. Once the above factors are stabilized, support can be provided.

What we Do