Homeless people with animals are not permitted access to Milan's dormitories

Homeless people with animals are not permitted access to Milan’s dormitories

For those living on the streets, the external temperature isn’t just one factor among many; it’s the singular element that can profoundly alter their lives. While bitter cold can be mitigated with appropriate clothing and accessories, such as a good sleeping bag, the scorching and relentless heat experienced by those without shelter offers no means of defense.

This underscores the critical importance of ensuring that individuals experiencing homelessness, who share their lives on the streets with their dogs, have access to the many services that a large city like Milan provides for those facing adversity. Their challenges may stem from economic struggles, but frequently, those in such circumstances are pushed to the fringes of a society that marginalizes those who are different or facing difficulties. Homelessness often becomes the only solution when there is no family or solid social network to offer support.

Thanks to the Friends on the Street Project, we at Save The Dogs strive to alleviate their difficulties, create a welcoming environment, and provide care and protection not only for their dogs but, of course, for them as well.

Homeless people with animals are not permitted access to Milan’s dormitories

It is for this reason that we have been putting pressure on the Milan City Council departments for some time. They are currently showing a great deal of interest, but there has been little positive feedback. We are calling for homeless people with animals to be able to access resources and services that the municipality and the housing network guarantee to those in need.

Read also: “Friends On The Streets, Companions For Life”. A story of hope on the streets of Milan

Thanks to the immense generosity of associations like ours, who play pivotal roles in enhancing the quality of life for those living on the streets, we are strongly advocating for these individuals and their dogs to be able to gain access to dormitory programs, ensuring protection from harsh weather conditions and, ultimately, providing them with a greater sense of peace and security.

As of June 2023, there were 40 homeless people living with their dogs on the streets of Milan

As of June 2023, there were 40 homeless people living with their dogs on the streets of Milan.

The initial objection raised by the Municipal Council was that they did not have sufficient data to understand how many homeless people accompanied by their animals were present in the city. With the help of our Street Units, we were able to ascertain the numbers and have their “presence” included in the RacContaMI survey, the census regarding the homeless promoted by the City of Milan, OIivetti Foundation and Bocconi University. We now know, thanks to the first partial results, that as of June 2023 there were about 40 people living on the streets with their dogs. And, in fact, we know almost all of them personally, because we provide them with dog food, veterinary care, vaccines and sterilizations, as well as supplying them with as much human warmth as we can.

Our commitment to assist homeless people with animals continues in 2024

We intend to continue working for the homeless with animals in 2024. We will persist in advocating for their rights, fostering collaborations with humanitarian associations without boundaries, as we firmly believe that rights transcend species.

As this new year unfolds, we feel confident that we will bring home, indeed will bring to the streets, new results and projects, as well as expanding the current team, thanks in no small part to the dedication of our passionate volunteers and street vets.

Having already secured essential services like access to showers, we eagerly anticipate sharing more success stories with you very shortly.