{"id":16739,"date":"2025-12-09T15:45:14","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T15:45:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/avliberdade.com\/?p=16739"},"modified":"2025-12-09T15:45:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T15:45:15","slug":"com-um-compromisso-coletivo-e-uma-visao-comum-e-possivel-erradicar-as-situacoes-de-sem-abrigo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/avliberdade.com\/en\/com-um-compromisso-coletivo-e-uma-visao-comum-e-possivel-erradicar-as-situacoes-de-sem-abrigo\/","title":{"rendered":"With a collective commitment and a shared vision, it is possible to eradicate homelessness."},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” z_index=””][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”titulo_blog”]<\/p>\n

With a collective commitment and a shared vision, it is possible to eradicate homelessness.<\/strong><\/h1>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_single_image image=”16742″ img_size=”full” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1765295080364{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”]Am\u00e9rico Nave, executive director and co-founder of CRESCER, has 24 years of experience in implementing and coordinating community intervention projects. In an interview with Avenida Association, he tells us about two innovative projects, currently supported by the Association, that promote the inclusion and job training of people experiencing homelessness. It is an opportunity to learn more about the projects \u201c\u00c9 UM RESTAURANTE\u201d<\/strong> and \u201c\u00c9 UMA CASA<\/strong>\u201d, as well as the organization\u2019s current challenges and ways to contribute to solidarity.<\/p>\n

How long has CRESCER existed and what is its focus of action?<\/strong><\/p>\n

CRESCER was founded in 2001 and works with people in situations of vulnerability, namely people experiencing homelessness, people who use psychoactive substances, refugees, and migrants. Its aim is to promote their health, reduce risks, and foster their inclusion in the community through community intervention projects.<\/p>\n

The number of people experiencing homelessness has increased exponentially over the last five years. What is your perception of the current reality in the city of Lisbon?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our perception is that the increase in the number of people in this situation highlights the need for a structured, inclusive, and lasting response that goes beyond temporary solutions. We believe that homelessness is directly linked to difficulties in accessing housing, and when there is a housing crisis, it is natural for these numbers to rise.<\/p>\n

Avenida Association regards \u00c9 UM RESTAURANTE as a very special member, not only for its excellent gastronomic offerings but, above all, because it is an example of how social businesses can succeed. Could you explain what sets this restaurant apart?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00c9 UM RESTAURANTE was the first social business created by CRESCER in 2019, with a dual purpose: to offer high-quality gastronomic experience with creative and well-crafted dishes, while simultaneously promoting the training and professional integration of people in vulnerable situations; and to generate a sustainable source of income for the Association.<\/p>\n

\u00c9 UM RESTAURANTE stands out for being much more than a dining space. It is a social project that provides training and employment opportunities to people in vulnerable situations, fostering their inclusion and dignity. At the same time, it ensures a high-quality gastronomic experience, proving that businesses with a social impact can be both competitive and sustainable. It is an example of how purpose and excellence can be combined.<\/p>\n

Is Chef Nuno Bergonse responsible for creating the restaurant\u2019s menus? Is he also a source of inspiration for the team?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes! Chef Nuno Bergonse has embraced from the very beginning the challenge of being the consulting chef for our restaurants. The very positive feedback we have received over the years, particularly regarding the quality of the food, is undoubtedly due to the knowledge and creativity that the Chef has brought to our projects. For the team, he is a source of inspiration and learning, contributing not only to gastronomic excellence but also to the professional growth of the trainees.<\/p>\n

Avenida Association contributed this year with various kitchen equipment for \u00c9 UM RESTAURANTE, as well as uniforms for the team. How important are these kinds of contributions<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

They are very important. Although we are in a continuous process of improvement, our main area of action is not the restaurant business but social intervention projects for people in vulnerable situations. Therefore, having this type of support is always an added value, as it allows us to improve the quality of the service we provide to our customers while simultaneously strengthening the sustainability of our projects.<\/p>\n

The aim of your project is to provide training and experience in the restaurant sector, equipping people to enter the job market. Is there an average duration of stay for those working at \u00c9 UM RESTAURANTE?<\/strong><\/p>\n

After the training period, the trainees, with the support of our team, are encouraged to seek employment that aligns with their personal interests and goals, which may or may not be related to the restaurant sector. In some cases, trainees are integrated into CRESCER\u2019s social businesses, such as \u201c\u00c9 UM CATERING<\/strong>,\u201d which provides catering services and offers an opportunity for continued professional development within our organization.<\/p>\n

Could you share some success stories related to this project?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes, we can share two examples:
\nThe first is trainee C., who, through the training, was able to reestablish work routines, receive medical care, and obtain a dental prosthesis that boosted his self-esteem and improved his oral health, consequently facilitating his professional integration. Today, he works and can independently pay for his room and expenses.<\/p>\n

The journey of A. is an inspiring example of overcoming challenges and rebuilding life. After completing the training, he developed new routines that restored stability and focus, finding work as a gardener, something he is truly passionate about. This progress is also reflected in increased self-esteem and the resumption of access to healthcare, including general medicine and dental consultations. Throughout this process, A. built new friendships, strengthening his support network and consolidating his path toward inclusion and well-being.<\/p>\n

\u00c9 UMA CASA (Housing First), a project originating in the USA, is another CRESCER initiative that has had a very direct impact on the inclusion of people experiencing homelessness. How long has it been in Portugal?
\n<\/strong>The Housing First methodology was first implemented in Portugal in 2009, and CRESCER launched its own project, “\u00c9 UMA CASA<\/strong>, Lisbon Housing First<\/strong>,” in 2013. We started with a pilot project of 7 homes with the support of the Lisbon City Council, and today we manage 152 homes in the municipalities of Lisbon, Almada, and Loures, with the support of the respective City Councils, and, in the case of Lisbon and Loures, also with the Social Security Institute. We also provide supervision to other organizations implementing this methodology in the Azores, Algarve, and Porto.<\/p>\n

What does it consist of?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The “\u00c9 UMA CASA, Housing First” project guarantees immediate access to individual, scattered housing in the city for people experiencing chronic homelessness, those who have lived on the streets for an average of 15 years, with some over 20 years. The main goal is to promote full integration by facilitating connections to healthcare services, social support, and community structures, as well as fostering relationships with neighbors and the local community, helping to rebuild networks of belonging and support.<\/p>\n

How many people have benefited from it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

In total, more than 170 people have benefited from the Housing First project implemented by CRESCER.<\/p>\n

\u00c9 UMA CASA includes technical and social support from CRESCER <\/strong>and<\/strong> requires <\/strong>commitment<\/strong> from the beneficiaries. How does it work in practice?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Beneficiaries receive support from a specialized technical team and sign a commitment agreement with the Association, which establishes the following conditions:<\/p>\n