Alexandre Rivas's experience with Cáritas Diocesana de Córdoba exemplifies how the organization goes beyond material assistance, providing accompaniment that rebuilds lives. Rivas, who arrived at the entity in May 2014 experiencing homelessness, found not only shelter but a family at the Madre del Redentor care home, enabling him to completely rebuild his life.
After overcoming his difficulties, Rivas has not only reconnected with family ties but has also joined the Franciscan order, proudly wearing the cross of Saint Francis. His testimony, shared during the Corpus Christi campaign, emphasizes the importance of community and the love he received: "Now I have a better life" than before, he states, referring to his new "Franciscan family, the Cáritas family, and my own, which I have recovered."
“"No one is on the street by their own will, and those who are realize they are not looked at, or are looked at with indifference. They are still people, and we don't pay attention to them."
Rivas calls for empathy and reflection, inviting those who believe homeless individuals are in their situation by choice or mistake to spend time at a shelter. He stresses that while institutions and organizations like Cáritas perform essential work, they cannot reach everyone in need of support.
“"Institutions can do many things, just like Cáritas Diocesana, but unfortunately, they cannot reach everyone."
Similarly, the episcopal delegate for Cáritas, Antonio Javier Reyes, has highlighted how many testimonies show that those seeking material aid find "a family where they feel loved." The priest concludes with an invitation to "choose to love, to be community, and to look at others with mercy," encouraging people not to distrust or become enclosed in their own worries.
