Increase in iTaukei street dwellers a church concern: Salacakau

The Catholic Church of Fiji is concerned that majority of street dwellers in Suva are identified as iTaukei.

Part of the church’s daily work is giving out food packs to street dwellers.

Ben Salacakau a representative of the Catholic Church in Fiji said health concerns of the drastic increase in the number of street dwellers was now an issue.

“We will need to roll out a plan to address this issue,” the former diplomat and educator said.

“The increase in the number of iTaukei needs collective effort from families and communities.

“We have seen this as a huge problem, not only for us but for their individual families and what they are doing about it.”

Street dwellers in Suva, like in many cities, are a significant concern for local communities, including churches and other organisations.

Mr Salacakau said churches often feel a strong sense of responsibility to help those in need, providing not only immediate support like food and shelter but also long term support like counselling and job training.

“We have a food and nutrition programme, regular food distribution or soup kitchens organised to ensure that those living on the streets have access to nutritious meals,” he said.

“There is a need to offer counseling services to address mental health issues and or substance abuse problems that might be contributing to homelessness.

“Some challenges faced by street dwellers are that they are vulnerable to violence and exploitation, making it crucial to ensure that assistance is provided for their safety and security.”

Inadequate infrastructure to support shelters and services for street dwellers is also a challenge.

He said street dwellers often faced social stigma and discrimination, which could make it difficult for them to access services or reintegrate into society.

“This stigma can also impact the willingness of the broader community to support initiatives,” he said.

“Lack of coordination between different organisations, including government agencies, NGOs, and religious groups, can lead to disjointed services and inefficiencies.”

He is calling for more advocacy and awareness about the issues faced by street dwellers, advocating for better policies and support systems at local and national levels.

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