From the mid-year report submitted by the diocese
The Water, Life, Citizenship Project began with an official launch attended by Bishop Francisco de Assis da Silva of the Southwestern Diocese; the Rev. Eduardo Henrique of the Anglican Cathedral of the Mediator; and other guests from the local community. At the event, it was explained to all those present that the project was selected through a call for proposals from the United Thank Offering (UTO), a ministry of The Episcopal Church for the mission of the entire church, whose main focus that year was funding projects that address access to water.
Our project aims to support and promote our work with the unhoused population, with a support structure that provides access to water, informational activities, workshops of interest to vulnerable people, informative lectures, showers, laundry facilities, restrooms, and access to guidance on rights and health care. So far, we have done the following: renovated the areas for this project both inside and outside; repaired or replaced electrical; installed showers; replaced interior doors and made adaptations for physical accessibility; installed ceramic flooring and access ramp. Finally, we have purchased materials for workshops, personal hygiene items, and materials for use in daily project activities for our unhoused neighbors who rest on the grounds of the cathedral and will benefit from this program.
At the time of writing, we have completed three weeks of services, with five shifts offering laundry, bathing, and access to drinking water. During this time, 238 people used our services; we offered six workshops and informational activities; and had 36 registrations to date, of which eight are women, two have been hired for formal employment, and three have been referred to the municipal health network. During this period of operation, we have been able to refer people to formal employment and health care services and offer rapid tests for HIV, syphilis and viral hepatitis. This project is making a profound impact already.
To see a slideshow of the project as it has unfolded so far, click here.