Within the scope of the Municipal Strategy for Homeless People in Funchal, the Public Security Police worked alongside Funchal City Council (CMF) Street Teams this week.
This strategy aims to mitigate the risks inherent in homelessness and to combat poverty and social exclusion. The actions foreseen in the strategy also aim to promote a better articulation with all entities that intervene with homeless people, namely the CMF, the Health Services, Social Security, IPSS, the police authority, and the general public.
“It is intended that each homeless person has an adequate response focused on their situation and that solutions are found for true inclusion and social reintegration. Only in this way will a more inclusive, egalitarian and humanised society be built,” the PSP argues in a press statement.
It further indicates that, although the entire police force is aware of this matter, the monitoring of the Street Teams has been in charge of the MIPP (Integrated Model of Proximity Policing) officers.
“Of the services already carried out, they report that the experience has been positive, as it allows them to better understand the reality, raise awareness among homeless people involved in risky behaviors, and foster trust in the police authorities.”
Since the beginning of 2025, this team has already carried out 5 joint actions, and joint solutions have been sought for 20 homeless people.
Concluding, the statement reiterated:
“Immediate results will not be achieved, nor will the problem be eliminated, but each situation overcome gives us the strength and commitment to continue.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
