Argentine soccer club houses winter homeless
July 4, 2019
One of the most famous Argentine football clubs has opened its doors to the homeless as local temperatures approached freezing.
River Plate, which is based in Buenos Aires, offered a place to sleep, a warm meal and clothing to people on the streets. The group Red Solidaria partnered the football team in this initiative.
The association's founder, Juan Carr, said on Twitter that "from 6 p.m. on Wednesday at River Plate, all night until Thursday morning, they'll receive blankets and shelter."
Blankets and shelter
Red Solidaria's "Cold Zero" campaign has been going for seven years, and has been helping people who are sleeping on the street in the Argentinian capital's central square. It is the first time River Plate has been involved as the carers worried freezing temperatures would make it even worse for people affected by the economic recession and poverty in Argentina.
Read more: Germany: Nine homeless deaths due to cold since October
Martin Giovio, one of Red Solidaria's members, said River Plate was making "a huge gesture, opening its doors so people do not die of the cold."
"Being indoors saves lives," he added.
It is expected to get colder as the week goes on. One 52-year-old was found dead in Buenos Aires a few days ago, and Red Solidaria said that four more people have died in central Argentina from the effects of the cold.
jns/jm (SID, Reuters)