The North Zone II Subprefecture referred three homeless individuals in situations of extreme social vulnerability to the "Seguir em Frente" program this Thursday (July 9th). This program is a Rio de Janeiro City Hall initiative focused on providing shelter, resocialization, and reintegration into the job market. The referrals occurred during a routine action carried out around the Nilton Santos Stadium in Engenho de Dentro. The three individuals spontaneously expressed their desire to leave the streets and begin a new life project through the program.
The operation was coordinated by the sub-prefect of the North Zone II, Douglas Araújo, in partnership with the Municipal Health Department and with the support of the Jacarepaguá Subprefecture. After being received, the participants were taken to the Jovelina Pérola Negra Psychosocial Care Center (Caps) in Jacarepaguá, where they underwent evaluation and began receiving care from a multidisciplinary team. The program offers social and psychological support, health monitoring, professional training, and paid work opportunities, allowing beneficiaries to rebuild family ties, gain autonomy, and resume their life projects.
Created by the Rio de Janeiro City Hall, the "Seguir em Frente" (Moving Forward) program has already assisted more than 5 people in situations of social vulnerability. Of this total, more than 700 participants have been placed in paid work programs, operating in municipal public facilities during the resocialization process.
According to Douglas Araújo, sub-mayor of the North Zone II, the initiative demonstrates that caring for the city also involves welcoming and offering opportunities for those who wish to start over.
– During a routine patrol around the Engenhão stadium, we found three people in extremely vulnerable situations who expressed a desire to start over. We made this referral because the City Hall offers real opportunities for those who want to rebuild their lives. Taking care of the city also means taking care of people, with support, dignity, citizenship, and integration between municipal agencies – he emphasized.
The deputy mayor of Jacarepaguá, Igor Augusto, emphasized the importance of the teams' ongoing work in assisting the homeless population.
– We are here to do our part as the City Hall and as citizens. Our role is to contribute to the recovery and reconstruction of these people's lives. Twice a week, in partnership with the Municipal Department of Social Assistance, we carry out outreach programs for homeless people in Jacarepaguá. It is an opportunity for them to turn their lives around through the programs offered by the City Hall.
This initiative reinforces the integrated approach of the Rio de Janeiro City Hall in implementing public policies aimed at the homeless population, bringing together efforts from sub-prefectures and municipal secretariats to expand access to social assistance, health services, and opportunities for social reintegration.
