Press Release by the Ministry for Social Justice and Solidarity, the Family and Children’s Rights: Range of services for vulnerable persons: Investment of €835,000 by the government

“In these past eight years we have invested millions of euros so as to improve the level of services given to residences which serve as shelters, or to provide food for people in need. In spite of having carried out a lot, we will continue strengthening the necessary resources so as to ensure that nobody falls behind”, the Minister for Social Justice and Solidarity, the Family and Children’s Rights, Michael Falzon said during a visit he made to Dar Papa Franġisku. 

During this same visit that was made by the Minister Michael Falzon, a presentation of the annual report that was performed by this residency was given, which observed the trends in respect of how many people had made use of these services. From the results it can be observed that the number of persons who had slept in the shelters of Dar Papa Franġisku had decreased in the year 2020, when compared to the year 2018 and 2019. Amongst other statistics, it can also be observed that the majority of those individuals that go there for food, as well as to sleep, are males. 

Minister Michael Falzon appealed that we should never judge, and that instead we should offer our support so as to be able to help those in need. Minister Falzon said that this year the Social Ministry had allocated the sum of €835,000 to Dar Papa Franġisku, so as to be able to guarantee the finances required for the management of these residences. A number of residents who had completed the Reach Foundation programme have obtained University diplomas, bought a new house, and attained a permanent job, amongst other stories of long-term success. 

Meanwhile, the government finances more than 18 million euros annually, to be able to assist a number of NGOs that carry out work amongst vulnerable persons. The ultimate objective is that persons who came forward for assistance, have access to all of the necessary help and support in order to be able to re-integrate back into society.