Help Save Lives by Helping the Homeless in Costa Rica

***Dormitorio Solidario desparetly needs your donations to help protect people facing homelessness from Covid-19. No more than ever, your donation will make a difference.***

With over 15 years of experience helping the homeless, Ericka, Marlyn, Floricelle and Randall got together to help the homeless on the streets of San José, Costa Rica. They are renting a hotel that was vacant and have begun equipping it with bunk beds and linens.

Guests are asked to contribute a small fee (ranging from $1.00 - $5.00) to spend the night in the dormitory, take a shower and have dinner, however if they are unable to pay, they are still welcome. After dinner, there is often a short motivational talk or recreational activity. In the morning, quests are given breakfast and are on their way.

Their approach to helping the guests is through a strategy called "harm reduction" which aims to be a realistic, pragmatic, humane and successful approach to addressing issues of substance abuse, while at the same time respecting them as human beings who, regardless of their situations, need a safe place to sleep.

Guests are also given support to help them take better care of themselves and are often referred to social service professionals who can help them take control of their issues with substance abuse, immigration status or health problems.

In the Greater Metropolitan Area of San José Costa Rica the number of people living on the streets has gone from 2,000 to 4,000 in the last 10 years and the number of political and economic refugees seeking safety and security in Costa Rica has increased tenfold. Most refugees to Costa Rica face conditions of extreme poverty which creates an urgent call for help. As of December 2019, Dormitorio Solidario, through the help of donations, has been able to serve around 65 people. There is space to serve up to 100 people, but due to lack of equipment and supplies, they have not been able to reach their full capacity. Dormitorio Solidario’s approach to support those in need is a quality program that promotes self-help. We truly appreciate your contributions and they do make a difference!

Your donation will help "Dormitorio Solidario" pay the monthly rent of the hotel and their utility bills, as well as provide guests with clean pajamas, sheets, pillows, towels, beds, lockers and to maintain the washer and dryer.

Your donation will help people get back on their feet and save lives.