With the arrival of winter, attention to the most vulnerable, especially the homeless, becomes more pressing and urgent. According to data from Istat, which has shed some light on this reality for the first time, an alarming picture emerges: there are 96,197 individuals registered as homeless, with the vast majority being men and 38 percent represented by foreign nationals, mainly from Africa. These numbers, as highlighted by the Italian Federation of Organizations for the Homeless, although they offer only a partial snapshot of the situation, highlight the magnitude and complexity of an often silent social emergency. This condition is concentrated in 2,198 Italian municipalities, but it is worrying to note that 50 percent of this vulnerable population finds shelter in only six major cities: Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin, Genoa and Foggia. As cold temperatures and adverse weather become more severe, it becomes essential to activate targeted and immediate interventions. Assisting, sheltering and protecting these people becomes a priority, especially considering the additional challenges that winter imposes on those living without a roof over their heads or in precarious shelters.
|