The Catholic Church of Fiji has expressed concern over the growing number of street dwellers in Suva, noting that the majority are iTaukei. As part of their ongoing efforts, the church distributes food packs to those living on the streets. Ben Salacakau, a representative of the church, highlighted the health risks associated with the rising population of street dwellers and emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to tackle this issue.
Salacakau pointed out that the increasing number of iTaukei requires a united response from families and communities. He described the situation as a substantial problem not only for the church but also for the affected individuals and their families. Street dwellers pose a significant concern for local communities, including churches and various organizations that strive to provide assistance.
According to Salacakau, churches assume a strong sense of duty in aiding those in distress by offering immediate support such as food and shelter, as well as long-term resources like counseling and job training. He mentioned that the church runs food and nutrition programs, organizes regular food distributions, and operates soup kitchens to ensure that individuals on the streets receive nutritious meals.
Addressing mental health and substance abuse issues is also critical, he noted, as these factors often contribute to homelessness. Moreover, street dwellers are particularly vulnerable to violence and exploitation, making their safety and security paramount.
Salacakau pointed out that inadequate infrastructure to support shelters and services for street dwellers poses an additional obstacle. He mentioned that social stigma and discrimination complicate their ability to access services or reintegrate into society, which can hinder broader community support for these initiatives. Furthermore, a lack of coordination among various organizations, including government agencies, NGOs, and religious groups, can result in fragmented services.
He is advocating for increased awareness and advocacy concerning the challenges faced by street dwellers and is pushing for improved policies and support systems at both local and national levels.