This movement aims to support families that live in any region of Portugal and are facing a very harsh economic situation (due to collective dismissals, closing of industries and enterprises that the current economic crisis has led to), with a monthly amount of €250 for one year. Over the month of May 2010, it has been supporting 3 additional families. This solidarity movement has already received the support of more than 200 sponsors. The verification procedures for the allocation of this monetary contribution is EAPN Portugal’s responsibility. EAPN Portugal will evaluate in the 4th and 8th months of the year if the family is still in need.
This support is put in place thanks to an organisation into groups. Each group is made up of 10 people and is responsible for the economic support to a concrete family, for one year. Each group member contributes with €25 per month – approximately 83 cents per day – during one year.
The donations are sent to the Parish of Santa Maria de Belém (Lisbon), to a specific bank account for this movement and it is their responsibility to issue receipts and to ensure that the donations reach the families identified.
The name of the family is confidential in order to protect their right to privacy. In order to create a social safety net to support the most vulnerable individuals, people that join this movement bring a friend along.
The Trade Union of the Quadros Técnicos do Estado (STE), the Associação Sindical dos Professores Licenciados (ASPL) and the Trade Union of the Magistrados do Ministério Público (SMMP) are disseminating this social action in their internet homepages.
Information on this movement can also be found in: www.paroquia-smbelem.pt/smbelem_home.htm
Contact: jeronimos.familias@gmail.com – Tel. +351 91 737 77 51 / +351 21 301 81 33
