In anticipation of the winter season, the Algerian authorities have established a commission to oversee the care of homeless individuals in Tizi Ouzou. The commission, led by the local governor, Mohamed Djemaâ, comprises representatives from various government agencies, including the Directorate of Social Action and Solidarity, the Wilaya Security, the National Gendarmerie, and the Algerian Red Crescent. The city's homeless population has grown in recent years, with many individuals and families struggling to find shelter and basic necessities.
The homeless issue in Tizi Ouzou is a pressing concern, with many people forced to live on the streets, relying on the charity of others to survive. The recent severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and snow, have exacerbated the situation, leaving many without access to basic necessities like food, shelter, and warm clothing. In response, the local authorities have developed a comprehensive program to provide support to those in need, including housing, meals, medical care, and psychological support.
The program, which will run throughout the winter season, aims to provide assistance to at least 30 identified homeless cases in Tizi Ouzou. According to Achour Mehenni, the local director of the Directorate of Social Action and Solidarity, the program will provide a range of services, including shelter, meals, and medical care, to those in need. The authorities have also established a center with a capacity of 40 places, equipped with necessary facilities, including beds, mattresses, blankets, and food.
During its first night of operation, the program provided support to 12 homeless individuals, including three with mental health issues. Four people, including three women, were fully taken care of at the center, while the others received hot meals, mattresses, and warm clothing. The authorities have also allocated 2 million Algerian dinars to support the program, which will also extend to other areas of the wilaya, including Draâ Ben Khedda.
The program will also involve night-time patrols to identify and support homeless individuals in need. The authorities have also reached out to other communes in the wilaya, asking them to identify and report cases of homelessness. The program aims to provide a comprehensive support system to those in need, including access to medical care, psychological support, and basic necessities like food and shelter.
In addition to the center in Tizi Ouzou, the program will also involve the distribution of hot meals, blankets, and clothing to homeless individuals in other areas of the wilaya. The authorities have also established cells of proximity, comprising multidisciplinary teams, including doctors and psychologists, to provide support to those in distress. These cells will be operational in several communes, including Béni Douala, Azeffoun, and Azazga.
The program is a collaborative effort between various government agencies, including the Directorate of Social Action and Solidarity, the Wilaya Security, and the Algerian Red Crescent. The authorities hope that the program will provide relief to those in need and help alleviate the suffering of the homeless population in Tizi Ouzou and surrounding areas.
Key points
- Algerian authorities have launched a program to support homeless individuals in Tizi Ouzou, providing shelter, meals, medical care, and psychological support.
