Seven elderly people and nine young women living on the streets of Lautoka have been assisted through a multi-agency initiative aimed at helping vulnerable individuals access shelter, healthcare and long-term support services.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran met with officials from the Fiji Police Force, Lautoka City Council, the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and Social Welfare officers to receive an update on efforts to support people living on the streets.
The initiative focused on street dwellers along Marine Drive and within the Lautoka city area, where teams carried out assessments and connected individuals with appropriate support services.
Among those assisted were seven older persons identified during the operation. Three have since been admitted to the Lautoka Golden Age Home, while the remaining four chose to return to their villages and families.
Nine young women were also admitted to safe shelters where they will receive protection and ongoing case management support.
Several young people were transported to shelters where they will be provided with accommodation, health screenings, counselling and life skills training.
The Ministry said individuals identified with psychosocial needs were referred to appropriate care facilities through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, while others requiring specialised interventions, including drug rehabilitation services, are being connected with relevant support providers.
Minister Kiran said the goal was to ensure vulnerable individuals are given the opportunity to rebuild their lives in safe and supportive environments.
“Families are the first line of care and protection. We ask families and communities to welcome their loved ones home with compassion, understanding, and encouragement,” she said.
“Many have experienced difficult personal circumstances, and successful reintegration depends not only on Government support but also on acceptance, care, and ongoing family and community support.”
She said government agencies would continue working together to ensure every identified individual receives the assistance they need, including support for family and community reintegration and access to available social protection programmes.
The Ministry also acknowledged the support of partner organisations, including Medical Services Pacific, the Salvation Army and Empower Pacific, for providing wrap-around services to those assisted through the programme.
Kiran said the collective effort is aimed at helping vulnerable people live safely, independently and with dignity.