Social problems, job losses as a result of the prolonged crisis and falling family incomes are all new challenges for the social care system. Unfortunately, the financial difficulties of families, the accelerated pace of life and the mental strain caused by environmental influences are also generating psychological and addiction problems. The loss of housing, one of the most serious problems in the lives of families, is also an increasingly widespread threat. The need for meals has been growing in recent years, with an increasing number of families losing their jobs and becoming poorer as a result of the crisis. Our aim is to help people maintain independent living and keep their homes.
As part of our family support service, our organisation has undertaken to distribute up to 400 hot lunches, baked goods, fruit, vegetables and other supplements per day in the 3rd district of Budapest in cooperation with the local Family Counselling and Child Protection Centre. We operate a similar service in Rózsa Street in the VII. district in cooperation with the Social Service Centre of the Municipality of Erzsébetváros, and in the XIV. district of Zugló in Bosnyák Street in cooperation with the Zugló Family and Child Welfare Centre, where we provide our guests with a further 150 hot meals and supplements.
Besides Budapest, similar programmes are taking place in Eger, Somogyvámos and Debrecen.
The service is only available to people designated by the cooperating social institution. Our clients are families with several children, elderly people, people who have been made redundant, people looking for work and, according to the partner organisation's staff, local people in most need. 80% of the beneficiaries are in need of support due to financial hardship and unemployment, so that if they can manage their meals, they can use the money saved to pay off their debts, cover their utility bills and other expenses. Our service is thus a preventive form of care aimed at preventing the loss of housing.
In recognition of our work in Budapest, the Municipal Council of Budapest awarded our Foundation the Ágoston Fischer Óbuda Social Award in 2010.
Since April 2011, the Óbuda Municipality, since November 2012 the Erzsébetváros Municipality and since October 2016 the Zugló Municipality have been supporting our organisation within the framework of a cooperation agreement.