The Department of Social Welfare of the Arrecife City Council, headed by Maite Corujo, celebrates the consolidation of the capital's care model after signing the contract with the NGO EMERLAN to provide Food Assistance and Social Support Deficit Assistance Service, an essential resource that guarantees food assistance and social support to the most vulnerable population in the municipality. Although the new contract will come into effect on December 1, the service has not stopped being provided at any time.
The deputy mayor and councilor for Procurement, Echedey Eugenio, has highlighted the importance of joint work between municipal departments to move forward with a contract "that was a priority and absolutely necessary for the city." According to him, "this file has been processed with rigor, with the utmost responsibility, and with the firm will to guarantee a stable, professional service that meets the needs of our most vulnerable residents."Eugenio adds that "from the Procurement department, we have made every effort to ensure the best conditions so that the service is provided with quality and continuity." He also emphasizes that the award to EMERLAN "reinforces collaboration with an entity with proven experience, capable of responding to such a sensitive and essential resource as this."
The deputy mayor wanted to emphasize that “Arrecife needed to take this leap in social care, and today we are doing it with a solid, well-designed contract that serves those most in need. This city is moving forward, and it is doing so with people in mind”.
For her part, the head of Social Welfare, Maite Corujo, has underlined that the signing of this contract represents "a decisive step in Arrecife's commitment to the dignity and well-being of vulnerable people".The councilwoman assures that "the soup kitchen must be a safe, humane, and welcoming place, where each person feels real support, professional guidance, and an environment of respectful coexistence," also highlighting that the new contract "reinforces the in-depth work carried out with users, so that this service is not just a welfare resource, but a gateway to recovery and personal autonomy."
The new management model incorporates menus adapted to intolerances, specific nutritional needs, or religious preferences, guaranteeing adequate nutrition for each user. Furthermore, home meal delivery is being implemented, one of the most important novelties of the contract, which will allow for the care of people with reduced mobility or difficulties in getting around.
The staff is also strengthened with new technical profiles, including a specialized educator who will join the social worker and the rest of the professional team responsible for intervention. Support actions for procedures, guidance, referrals, documentation, or access to benefits will be an essential part of the service, along with group and individual activities aimed at promoting social integration and personal well-being.
The contract signed with EMERLAN will have an initial duration of one year, with the possibility of extension for two more years, which guarantees stability for a service considered key within the municipal social care network. With this new management framework, Arrecife will offer not only proper food care but also a model of comprehensive support that promotes the inclusion, well-being, and personal recovery of each user.
