Homeless people in Madrid write letters of encouragement to coronavirus patients

Residents of a homeless shelter in Madrid run by the diocesan Caritas have written letters of support to patients hospitalized with coronavirus in six hospitals in the region.

“Life puts us in difficult situations. You just have to stay calm and not lose confidence, always after the dark tunnel comes to the shining light and even if it seems that we can't find a way out, there is always a solution. God can do anything, ”says one of the letters from a resident resident.

According to the diocesan Caritas of Madrid, the residents identify themselves with the patients' solitude and fear and have sent words of consolation for these difficult moments that many of them have experienced alone.

In their letters, the homeless encourage the sick to leave "everything in the hands of God", "He will support and help you. Have faith in him. "They also assure them of their support:" I know that all of us together will put an end to this situation and everything will be better "," Don't fall back. Stay strong with dignity in the battle. "

Homeless people staying at CEDIA 24 Horas are going through the coronavirus quarantine "like any other family", and the refuge "is the home of those who at this moment when they ask us to stay at home, have no home", Caritas diocesan said on their website.

Susana Hernández, who is responsible for diocesan Caritas projects to help the marginalized, said that "perhaps the most extreme measure that has been implemented is keeping the distance between people in a center where hospitality and warmth are a sign, but we try to provide with an excess of smiles and gestures of encouragement. "

"At the beginning of the situation, we had an assembly with all the people hosted at the center and we explained to them all the measures that had to be taken with themselves and towards others and the measures that the center would also take to protect all of us. . And every day a reminder is given on what to do and not to do, "he explained.

Like any other worker in contact with people, the people who work in CEDIA 24 Horas are at risk of infection and Hernandez stressed that while they regularly practice good hygiene at the center, there is an even greater concentration at the moment.

The state of emergency and the accompanying measures forced the cancellation of group and athletic activities, as well as the recreational outings that they normally have at the center to give the people who stay there time to relax and relate to each other.

“We maintain basic services, but at least we try to maintain the atmosphere of warmth and hospitality. Sometimes it is difficult not to be able to get together to do some sharing, mutual support, doing things that are good for us and that we like, but to compensate we are increasing the frequency with which we ask people individually 'How are you doing? What can I do for you? Do you need something?' Above all we try to ensure that COVID-19 does not separate us as people, even if there are two meters between us, "said Hernandez