Centro sociale Bethlehem

Francis Francis Foundation for Social Aid Bethlehem Social Center - Day Reception in Lugano As of January 1, 2019, the management of Bethlehem Social Center

- day reception in Lugano is provided by the Francis Foundation for Social Aid It operates seven days a week, including holidays, in the spaces of the "Casetta Gialla" (Resega). It was opened in January 2010 in response to growing needs that have emerged in our Region. Since then, Bethlehem Social Center has experienced a fluctuating trend in the number of Guests, depending on the seasons and socio-economic or health consitions. Anyone is given the opportunity to use it, regardless of his or her social and legal status, gender, national or religious origin. Services include the provision of breakfast, lunch, rest, shower, laundry, change of clothes or Internet access, thanks to the constant presence of professional staff.

The Bethlehem Community Center is open from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. In order to properly accommodate the Bethlehem Center's Guests, as well as to better address the social issues they bring with them, inside the facility (called "low threshold," i.e., non-specialized and accessible to anyone) our Social Workers are present in turn, supported by a professional Cook and temporarily by Kitchen Assistants. Generally, several Volunteers are also active for lunch service. Other Volunteers support our social work by providing used clothing, food, personal hygiene or cleaning products. By choice, the Francis Foundation does not benefit from public subsidies and manages to meet its financial commitments thanks to the recurring support of numerous private entities (associations, service clubs, firms, foundations, parent groups, households, parishes or individuals), as well as donations of basic necessities, food, clothing, blankets and sleeping bags. All Guests are asked to make a financial contribution for the various services offered or the willingness to perform

a task (cleaning used rooms, washing windows and cleaning the outside yard). Those who are non-residents and have housing problems are also given the opportunity to shower, do laundry or access the Internet. In addition, also for non-residents, the delivery of clean clothes, blankets and sleeping bags is guaranteed free of charge. Due to the increasing social needs, the Francis Foundation for Social Aid is promoting the project of renovating the former Masseria in Cornaredo (Lugano) to set up, among other things, the new headquarters of the Bethlehem Social Center, where it will expand its reception offerings.

Donations to the Bethlehem Social Center may be tax-deductible.

They can be made on CCP 15-123375-6 (CH68 0900 0000 1512 3375 6)

.For more information, please contact: fra Martino Dotta, Coordinator of Bethlehem Social Center - day care in Lugano

Cell. 079 303 61 09 - E-mail: martino.dotta@cappuccini.ch

Francis Foundation for Social Aid Brother Martino Dotta, Director

Social welcome

shower service

laundry

change of clothes