Solidarity Without Borders: Reaching Out to Homeless Individuals at High Risk of Addiction

Within the framework of the Erasmus+ KA210 project, supported by the Turkish National Agency and carried out in partnership with the Villa Maraini Foundation (Italy), our team took to the streets for a vital field operation. Accompanied by our Italian participants, we conducted a night-time distribution to support one of the most vulnerable groups in our society: homeless individuals.

Seeing the Invisible: The Link Between Homelessness and Addiction

Living on the streets is far more than a lack of shelter; it is a state of extreme social exclusion. Field data and observations consistently show that homeless individuals are among the groups at the highest risk of addiction. The harsh living conditions, chronic loneliness, and lack of social support often create a cycle of vulnerability where substance use becomes a maladaptive coping mechanism.

During this field mission, our primary goal was not only to provide material aid but also to "see the invisible"—to acknowledge the presence of these individuals and re-establish a sense of human dignity through direct contact.

More Than Just Blankets and Food: A Human Connection

As we distributed blankets and warm meals throughout the night, our mission focused on several key pillars:

• Psychosocial Support: Beyond material needs, a simple conversation or a moment of eye contact helps strengthen an individual's sense of belonging and worth.

• Preventive Approach to Addiction: Meeting the basic needs of homeless individuals is a critical preventive step. By reducing the feeling of utter desperation, we aim to lower the triggers that lead to substance use.

• International Knowledge Exchange: Working alongside our Italian partners from the Villa Maraini Foundation allowed us to develop a shared language and methodology for approaching marginalized groups.

Solidarity Has No Borders

Being in the field means looking beyond theoretical frameworks and facing the realities of life head-on. This joint effort proved once again that solidarity transcends national borders. As part of our project, we remain committed to developing inclusive models for high-risk groups and continuing our mission of "saving lives" through direct observation and on-site intervention.