Morador de
Rua Existe
“Homeless People Exist” is a volunteer project created to bring visibility, dignity, and support to people living on the streets. Guided by the slogan “For the right to be and to belong,” the project was founded in the city of Porto Alegre. Beyond direct support actions, the project also worked in dialogue with public authorities and civil society, advocating for the rights of homeless people and contributing to discussions and initiatives related to public policies aimed at protecting and supporting the homeless population. On the last Saturday of each month, volunteers gathered in the city center to host a collective lunch, featuring live music, and distribute hygiene kits and clothing donations.
I joined the project in 2018 as a volunteer and, a few months later, was invited to become part of the organizing team. In this role, I was responsible for leading the project’s communication and community engagement strategies, helping expand its reach and volunteer participation, as well as supporting on-the-ground event coordination. I also helped recruit volunteers and establish partnerships with companies to secure donations such as hygiene kits, clothing, and other essential items.
Year: 2018-2023
Key words: Community Engagement • Volunteer Recruitment • Social Media • Partnership Development • Event Coordination
Until the pandemic in 2020, our activities followed the regular format, and we also organized special themed editions throughout the year, such as Women’s Day, the June Festival, Easter, and the largest and most challenging event of all: Christmas.
In 2018 and 2019, our Christmas event brought together more than 400 people experiencing homelessness and over 70 volunteers, each responsible for a different part of the event. We prepared a traditional Brazilian barbecue, with a full menu including rice, farofa, meat, salads, drinks, desserts, and panettones, a true collective effort to create a dignified and celebratory Christmas for everyone.
During the pandemic, our activities had to adapt, and we created a new format called the “Solidarity Drive,” where volunteers drove across the city delivering the same items that were usually distributed during our in-person events.
At the same time, we intensified our social media communication, guided by the message: “Stay home, but what about those who don’t have a home?” Through guides, posts, and videos sharing data, information, and practical ways to help, we encouraged the public to support a part of society that is often neglected and made invisible.
Photos: Janaína Brandolt, Keity Marinho and Vinícius Luz
