Egypt inaugurates 1st shelter for both orphans, homeless adults

CAIRO – 25 October 2020: The Ministry of Social Solidarity and Be With Us to Save a Human Being Foundation inaugurated on Sunday a shelter to house homeless adults and children.

Minister Nevine al-Qabaj told press that the capacity of the facility – composed of three buildings in Giza - is 530 guests. She added that the project is an initiative to create a family environment whereas adults and children reside in the same place.

The minister stated that Egypt has 516 orphanages, 172 retirement homes, 18 shelters for adult homeless individuals, eight shelters for women, 132 shelters for female students, 2,065 social foundations, and 11,000 day care nurseries.

The number of adopted children is 11,500 locally, and 119 abroad. The welfare of the latter is monitored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through diplomatic missions.

Violations committed by shelters or orphanages are referred to the Public Prosecution on the same day they are detected.

Manager of the National Program for Homeless Child and Adult Protection Hosni Yosef told press that the program works in 13 governorates having the highest rates of homelessness. Those are Cairo, Giza, Beni Suef, Menya, Asyut, Qalyoubeya, Sharqia, Menoufeya, Gharbia, Fayoum, Alexandria, Suez and Port Said.

Yosef clarified that children on the streets are either orphans or belong to homeless families. Hence, the former are taken by orphanages while the latter get integrated in society through certain programs.