Homeless on the Streets - Benidorm, Albir, Altea
Homeless on the Streets - Benidorm, Albir, Altea - There are so many reasons why people end up living on the streets in our towns and cities and thankfully, there are many people willing to support them in whatever way they can. Be that giving them some change, buying or making food, donating to charities or as the amazing volunteers from Project 4 All do each day, giving up their time and money to make sure they are fed and taken care of.
However, it's so sad to read some people's views and assumptions as to why they have ended up in this situation. Many are quick to judge that they have problems with alcohol or substance abuse whereas, this is just a small percentage of the reason why they are without a home. Occasionally, they may turn to alcohol as a means to escape the reality they face each day, but, wouldn't we all if that was our life?
For those without savings or friends and family to hold them afloat in times of trouble, we are all just a couple of pay checks away from losing our home and being in the same situation.
How you can help the legitimately homeless on the streets of Benidorm, Albir and Altea - Project 4 All are always looking for volunteers for either cooking or driving? Or food donations are always welcome? Please contact the Project 4 All Hotline and be the change you want to see!
+34 604 833 114
PROJECT 4 ALL is an all-inclusive, self-funded, non-profit organization that relies solely on donations.
Coffee 4 All - Homeless Support - Make some ones day a little brighter by visiting the cafes, bars and restaurants listed on Coffee 4 All Facebook Page. This ensures they know they can eat that day and that there are people out there that care.
1. Ask a member of staff in a participating venue for a Post-it note.
2. Write the item you are donating. Drink/Sandwich etc.
3. Give your note and donation to a member of staff.
4. Smile, knowing you've made someone's day that little bit easier.
Even sadder is that here in Benidorm, just like every other large town or city, there are some that appear homeless, but are part of organised groups, these prey on the sympathy of tourists. These people are actually driven into the local towns and placed in strategic spots, purely to obtain money during their shift, they are then collected at the end of the day and driven home to split their profits. If you are in any doubt if some one is genuinely homeless or not, please DO NOT give money, but food and water.
Therefore, with help from Project 4 All we will be sharing stories from some of the people on our local streets, and we hope by doing so, we will not only highlight how these men and women ended up here, and what their ideal life would be like in the future, but most importantly, to give them a name.
They once lived "normal" lives with a home, family, children, employment, dreams....
We want them to know they are not invisible.
Sometimes just a friendly "hello" from a stranger can mean the most...
MEET NICO
Nico is 57 years old and is living by the port in Altea. He has a tent and sleeping bag provided by Project 4 All, who check in with him and provide him with meals, clean clothes and support.
Originally from Romania, he speaks excellent Spanish after moving to Spain 23 years ago.
He has been homeless for five years and was originally staying in the campo before coming to the port area three years ago.
He has done many jobs, both in Romania and here in Spain, including working on tanks and for various construction companies.
Unfortunately, due to an accident which shattered his ankle, leaving him dependent on crutches and unable to work, he was eventually forced to use a wheelchair, which was also provided by the charity. He is currently waiting for hospital treatment to see if anything more can be done for him.
As is usually the case, there were other personal circumstances which led to Nico becoming homeless.
In an ideal world, he would like to receive his pension from Romania and stay here in Spain with a small studio or apartment one day. However, as he can't get back home to complete the paperwork in person, this is proving very difficult.
Nico told us about his love for live music and past visits with friends to Restaurant Mantenía in Benidorm, which served his favourite soup, Ciorbă de burtă and Mici, a spicy, garlic sausage. Unfortunately, it's been a few years since he has been able to visit...
It's important we realise the people we walk past daily, have lived normal lives with family and friends around them, but sometimes they find themselves alone in a situation they never expected.
However, every time Project 4 All stop for a chat, they see many people saying hello, or dropping a few cents in his flat cap.
As we've not been able to find a venue in Altea to join Coffee 4 All yet, these donations are very much needed so he can get what he needs from the local supermarket.
If you are in the area, please wave and say hi to Nico and let him know he is not invisible.
*Photo and information published with permission from Nico.
More stories will follow shortly.
Please call into Louie's and if possible, leave a small donation towards the cost of a meal and help us support our homeless community.
Thank you to all the staff for your support.
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