May 9, 2022

08:05

Gabriella Lira – Cenarium Magazine

MANAUS – The Manifesta LGBT Association, in partnership with the UN Refugee Agency, is holding the reopening of Casa Miga – the first shelter for the LGBTQIA+ public in the North Region, in a new address, Downtown Manaus (address not detailed due to security regulations). The event takes place late this Saturday afternoon, 7, to receive supporters and the press.

The objective of the Casa Miga is to shelter the vulnerable population of Manaus, providing them with housing improvements, food aid, protection services, and social accompaniment. According to Karen Arruda, manager of the House, the new space has vacancies for up to 24 people.

“We screen the candidates with our social worker. Although they are similar contexts, we have some peculiarities; since we don’t have openings for everyone, we need to make a selection.”

With the expansion, the shelter, coordinated by the NGO Manifesta LGBT+, seeks to ensure biopsychosocial, health, and educational support, to enable the insertion of these people in the labor market. “We moved to a bigger place, with capacity to receive more people and do more things. Previously, we only had a maximum of 16 people. Now we can do more activities that also serve the community, in partnership with other social movements and other collectives”, explains the manager.

About Casa Miga

Casa Miga is the first LGBTQIA+ public shelter for Brazilians, refugees, immigrants, expelled from home and in situations of social vulnerability due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. It was founded on August 17, 2018, becoming the only association in the North Region that is a reference in the refugee shelter in all of Latin America.

In almost 4 and a half years of operation, it has sustained itself through partners such as UNHCR – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as well as private institutions, local companies, and donations. More than 300 refugees, including Brazilians, Cubans and Venezuelans, have passed through the House.

The refugees can stay in the house for up to 90 days. But the period can vary according to each case. Besides orientation and shelter, the place also offers courses and training. Part of the work developed in the shelter can be followed by the social network Instagram of the association and for more contact with Casa Miga the number is (92) 99298-7970.

For the new phase, the team hopes to impact and reach more people. “The feeling is one of accomplishment. The work we do here is very meaningful for all of us, it goes beyond the professional side. There is a lot of giving of heart, time, and energy. It is very gratifying to be able to open doors and help more people with our work,” adds Karen.