Argentina homeless shelter named after bishop who loved the poor

Buenos Aires, Argentina, Apr 25, 2018 / 23:35 pm

A men's homeless shelter in Zeballos, Argentina has been named after a local bishop known for his attention to the poor.

The Jorge Novak, Friend of the Poor Homeless Shelter was inaugurated April 24.

The name commemorates the first bishop of Quilmes, Jorge Novak, who denounced the human rights violations committed by the military during the 1970s and '80s.

Bishop Novak loved the poor and led an austere life of deep spirituality. He was co-founder of the Ecumenical Movement for Human Rights. In late 2017, the investigation to initiate his process of beatification was begun.

The Jorge Novak Homeless Shelter is run by Caritas Quilmes. It welcomes men over 18 years of age.

Men hoping to benefit from the shelter's services must have an admissions interview and accept the shelter's rules. Opportunities are offered for bathing, eating, and sleeping.

When fully functional, the shelter will also offer job training, spiritual and ethical formation, and counseling on health and employment.

The hope is that in addition to providing for basic physical needs, the shelter will be able to help homeless men regain self-esteem, reestablish ties with the community, and eventually reintegrate.

The Jorge Novak Homeless Shelter has a capacity for 30 people and is supported by donations from individuals, institutions and the Diocese of Quilmes.

The diocesan secretary for communications asked for prayers "so this work may be a real concrete commitment to the poorest and most needy."
 

This article was originally published by our sister agency, ACI Prensa. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.