This year, the Government of the Azores will remodel the facilities of "Abrigo Amigo", a shelter run by the social institution "Confederação Operária Terceirense." The renewal works are included in the Regional Public Works Charter, announced the Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity.

With a public investment of 600 thousand Euros, this intervention will expand the building's capacity from 10 to 30 beds and improve its conditions in order to provide "greater dignity" to this shelter.

Speaking at the public presentation of the architectural project for the renewal of the building in Angra do Heroísmo on Thursday, the Regional Secretary pointed out that the initiative will recover the building heritage located in the historical centre of Angra do Heroísmo. Moreover, this building also provides an "important" social response as reference for the social inclusion of homeless people.

Piedade Lalanda noted that this type of social response gives "an opportunity" to the homeless, providing them a place where they can make "choices"; they will be given the opportunity of recovering their professional skills in workshops.
 
The government official reminded that meeting of the needs of this vulnerable group is one of the key priorities of the Government for this area. In this context, she revealed that the Government will start the construction of a new temporary shelter in Ponta Delgada, an initiative to be carried out in partnership with Cáritas - São Miguel and Novo Dia Association.

Furthermore, Piedade Lalanda praised the efforts of the Board of "Confederação Operária Terceirense," particularly of this former president and the team of architects who are in charge of the renewal project for the shelter.