on oct 18, as part of our mobility to different organisations and associations in and around Cartagena, the team visited Cáritas, a non-profit organisation with offices all around Spain, including a soup kitchen, two second-hand clothes stores, as well as a social integration home in Cartagena. The organisation is ecclesiastical and connected with the Diocese of Sagrada Familia. As per our meeting with the Cáritas volunteers in Cartagena, the main focus of the organisation is health and well-being and inclusion through social integration services for people on the street, especially those who suffer from substance abuse and who feel “invisible” to society.
At 9:00 am, we met with Ms. Eva Martínez García, Mr. Rafael Hernández Arnaiz, and Mr. Salva at the Rectorate, following which we went for an exploratory walk through the city, wherein we were shown important aspects of Cartagena, including the Foro Romano, a Roman-era site that serves as evidence of cultural inclusivity in a city that houses a leading technological university in 21st century Spain.
Following our informal interaction through the streets of Cartagena, we eventually reached the Social Kitchen of Cáritas.
Cáritas Diocesana de Cartagena Comedor Social
Cáritas operates a vital social canteen in Cartagena, offering crucial support to more than 70 individuals each day through the provision of complimentary lunches and dinners. On weekends, they provide lunches and go a step further by providing takeaway picnic bags for dinner. Furthermore, the Cáritas social kitchen plays a crucial role by continuing to provide packed meals for 25 children whose church kitchen had to close down during the COVID pandemic.
The day-to-day operations of this centre are primarily managed by a dedicated team of volunteers, with a majority of them aged 60 or older. Volunteers must register with the organisation to lend their support. The chefs who prepare the meals are the only full-time employees at the facility.
Remarkably, the canteen remains open and operational all year round, ensuring that it remains a reliable source of sustenance for those who lack the means to acquire food. The visitors are carefully interviewed by social workers, who assess their unique needs before guiding them towards the appropriate services provided by the organization. This collaborative effort between volunteers and social workers ensures effective planning and coordination.
Funding for the organisation is derived from multiple sources. It includes support from the regional government and the generous contributions of the Cartagena community. The organisation also forms valuable partnerships with promoters and two local supermarkets, securing regular funding and the essential ingredients for meal preparation. Additionally, donations to the organisation come with the added incentive of tax benefits, which encourages individuals and businesses to contribute. During the Easter holidays, the community comes together in a spirit of compassion and solidarity, offering prayers, voluntary participation, and contributions according to their capabilities.
In a wonderful display of goodwill, three of our participants—Ar. Sandeepsingh Sisodia, Dr. Pratiksinh Vaghela, and Dr. Hemlata Agarwal—volunteered at the centre in the evening, joining the ranks of dedicated individuals who have made it their mission to address the pressing issue of hunger and food insecurity in their community.
Hogar Sagrada Familia
Our next stop was the residential facility, which provides shelter to homeless individuals who are typically medically unfit, battling addiction, or without a stable place to stay. Presently, the majority of residents are males, totaling 14 users, with 2 females and the rest being male members, resulting in a volunteer-to-member ratio of 7:14.
Within the residential building, there’s a seminar hall where residents partake in various educational sessions and workshops. Additionally, a common hall is equipped with a television, whiteboard, and library, fostering an environment for reading and socialisation.
The selection of new members involves interviews conducted by social workers and volunteers to gauge their needs and risk levels. While there’s no specific age limit, individuals approaching the centre are typically 18 years and older.
A full-time doctor is on hand, and the remaining care is overseen by social workers and volunteers. Residents are assigned various tasks aimed at enhancing their independence and social skills, often through interactive games and activities.
For those without storage options, a room with lockers is available. Homeless individuals can use the association’s address for communication and make phone calls to their families.
During harsh winters, volunteers distribute coffee and occasionally blankets to those who can’t be accommodated within the shelter. The facility also provides a space for people of all religions to pray. Dedicated volunteers visit three times a week to offer a range of services, including mental health exercises, breathing activities, and muscular massages to reinforce well-being. Psychiatrists are on hand to assist with social activities aimed at fostering better acceptance in society. Residents come together for shared activities like watching TV, self-assessment, and creating an environment that resembles a social gathering, ensuring that each member is warmly embraced by the community.
Koopera Store This project is truly innovative and serves a commendable purpose. It involves the placement of containers throughout the city where individuals can deposit their used clothing, shoes, and textiles. Anyone who wishes to contribute can easily locate the nearest container and deposit any gently-used items they have on hand. These containers are strategically positioned at central stores across the city, making them highly accessible.
These donated items are given a second life, serving a social purpose by providing much-needed clothing to those in need. Additionally, the project includes two stores, one of which is managed by its members. This particular store allows individuals to try on clothing before making their selections. Any items that aren’t chosen for reuse are sent for recycling, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Behind the scenes, this initiative is closely connected to Caritas’ larger social project known as “koopera.” The mission of “koopera” is to foster the inclusion of the most vulnerable individuals through various activities, including environmental services, reuse, recycling, sustainable consumption, and training. Caritas manages the collection, reuse, and preparation for recycling, aligning with the principles of the circular economy. This not only promotes sustainability but also creates employment opportunities for those in need.
Regular customers also have the option to shop at these stores, further supporting the project’s goals. The association’s volunteers deeply appreciate the generosity of the people of Cartagena. The organisation’s manager ensures that operations run smoothly, while the dedicated volunteers handle the coordination of the stores, making this endeavour a successful and impactful one.
These learnings underscore the importance of community-driven initiatives, inclusivity, sustainability, and the power of collective action in addressing social challenges, especially for vulnerable and marginalised populations. Cáritas serves as an excellent example of how organisations can make a significant impact on the well-being and inclusion of individuals in need.
