Projeto RUAS is an NGO based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and its goal is to encourage individuals to commit to helping the homeless in their region. To achieve this goal, they have set up weekly operations called “Rondas” that take place in three different neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro.

These operations consist of training residents to contribute weekly to activities happening in their neighborhoods. They help set up different activities for the people experiencing homelessness in areas such as health, education, technology, and art. Finally, they help homeless people to acquire proper documentation, access health care services, and reconnect with their families, bridging the gap between the homeless population and public services.

In 2017, they have implemented their version of the “Housing First” approach to reintegrate homeless people into society, adapted to encompass the singularities of the Brazilian scenario and its challenges. Even though “Housing First” is already an efficient policy implemented by North American and European countries, they are the first organization to utilize this methodology in Latin America.

To continue helping the homeless population of Rio de Janeiro during the COVID-19 emergency, the organization has launched the #popruaeumeimporto campaign, setting up donation points for food and personal hygiene items across the city.

Learn more about this initiative at  https://www.projetoruas.org.br and check out https://popruaeumeimporto.org/ for a detailed map of the donation points and http://www.agendamento.projetoruas.org.br/ for instructions on how to become a volunteer if you’re based in Rio de Janeiro.