In Fão | Let’s help PAOLO

Paolo is 49 years old, Italian, from Bologna, and is currently living on the streets in Fão.

He came here hoping to find work, travelling by car and bringing his luggage and his cat with him; he has been living in his car since 17 January. His car broke down in Fão, and he has no money to repair it.

People living on the streets noticed him and began offering help with food. There we met a humble and quiet man, who accepted little and asked for nothing. At the start of this ordeal, he was fine and optimistic, but as the days have gone by, the conditions in which he is living have taken their toll on him mentally, and so he has decided he wants to return to his home country, Italy, taking with him the little he has: his car and his cat.

As mentioned, the car needs repairs; with the help of everyone involved, a mechanic has already assessed what is required and provided a quote of approximately €600, offering his services free of charge. In addition to this cost, we will need to arrange insurance so the car can be driven, and provide him with some money to fill up the tank and return to his country.

The organisations that could help in this case are already aware of the situation; however, they offer nothing more than food from the charity and accommodation without his cat. We must point out, however, that he has refused this accommodation, as he refuses to abandon his cat (who is very well looked after), and also because he felt disapproving looks from those delivering food, which left him feeling ashamed.

What has sustained this man is the kindness of citizens and neighbours, who every day provide him with food, baths and warm clothes. Indeed, the ineffectiveness of the institutions, due to excessive bureaucracy and a lack of humanity, leaves much to be desired, as we had hoped there would be follow-up and communication with the embassy.  

At this moment, our focus is on getting him out of this situation and allowing this man, who once had a normal life just like the rest of us, to regain his dignity. We cannot wait any longer for authorities and endless bureaucracy that solve nothing.

We are all very grateful for this sense of community in Fangueira, and we will be grateful to everyone who contributes whatever they can financially to help Paolo return to his country.

Always remember that these are situations that could happen to any of us or to family members trying their luck abroad.

The estimated costs will be €1,200, including €600 for car repairs, an average of €200 for car insurance (it may be more) and €400 for travel expenses based on the Michelin route map for 2,110 km.

As soon as we reach the target amount, we will suspend this campaign; if we exceed it, the surplus will be donated to a charity in need of food supplies in the municipality of Esposende.