WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
Homelessness is a problem that afflicts each and every society. In England it is pretty bad and given the state of the economy buffeted by the virus, the situation is heartrending. Companies have downed shutters; others have been forced to shut due to the lockdown leaving some unable to handle the economic demands of daily life. A number of people have slipped through the gaps and are now on the streets without a house. Unable to get a job many are unable to get out of their present situation. There are organizations involved in helping those in such situations but the situation is quite dire. Ana Fernandes a resident of Swindon for eighteen years but a native of Cansaulim decided to do her bit to raise funds for the homeless. Along with two other Goan women she decided to spend a night sleeping out on the main road. Ana said “I did this last year with my son Hamilton to raise awareness about the plight of homeless people. We were able to raise 1300 pounds for charity. This year due to the restrictions caused by the virus there was general reluctance on the part of people to join in the effort this year.” She was joined by Cynara a young girl who was inspired by Ana’s son who had joined her last year. Elisabeth had come over to London in February to meet her husband but had to stay back due to the virus. This time due to the virus it was just one person per bubble. Ana said “I love helping people because for me that is my way to find my passion. I am privileged to support and help thousands of people and be part of their lives and be there for them when they are most vulnerable. Working for NHS has taught me the smallest things can make the biggest difference to people. I work as an assistant nurse in GP surgery at the medical centre”. Sleeping out in public at night can be a dangerous endeavor. She informed the police who checked on her and her friends as they slept through the night. This initiative was done in conjunction with Threshold charity and till date they have collected 1000 pounds. Ana said “It was difficult because we could not go over to people’s houses asking for donations but I can say, people, are still donating as we speak”. Swindon has a large Goan community numbering around 13,000 and Aan said it made her very happy to be of assistance to the community whenever anyone comes over for surgery. Along with the Swindon association, she was able to help around 30 families with groceries and she intended to do more during Christmas. She said “People are without jobs or insecure jobs and you have to remember so many hotels are shut. It is a tough situation.” Ana said like many others they had not forgotten their Goa and always made it a point to visit every year but now due to the virus, she would make it a point to visit in the month of March. She said she hoped to do as much as possible to help people and the general Goan community.
