The Sofia Municipality has launched an initiative that provides hot food and drinks to people in need during the coldest months, BNR reported.
The campaign, initiated by Deputy Mayor Nadezhda Bacheva, will continue until the end of March and will offer not only food, but also support for the most vulnerable residents of Sofia.
Every day between 11:30 and 14:00 in the capital's church “St. Martyr Paraskeva“ those in need will receive a sandwich, fruit and hot tea.
“Our goal is clear – "so that there are no hungry people on the streets and to provide support during the difficult winter months," emphasized Nadezhda Bacheva.
With the support of the church community, social centers and dozens of volunteers, the initiative also reaches people who refuse to be accommodated in social centers. Mobile teams travel around the city to reach those who need help the most. This year, for the first time, psychological support will also be offered.
“Last winter, over 100 people a day took advantage of this service. We expect the interest to be even greater because the initiative is now known to more people," noted Bacheva.
She emphasized that many of the people who receive food prefer to stay on the streets rather than in temporary accommodation centers. That is why cooperation with priests and mobile teams is key to reaching them.