The official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Social Solidarity Ayman Abdel Mawgoud stated that the ministry’s Rapid Intervention Team operates across all governorates, with one team in each governorate, to ensure immediate response to reports concerning homeless children and elderly people, and to take the necessary interventions according to each case.
Abdel Mawgoud explained, during a phone interview on the program “Events of the Hour” broadcast on Extra News, that the ministry receives reports through the designated hotline for the Rapid Intervention Team at 16439, the Unified Government Complaints System at 16528, and the “Children of Egypt” hotline for orphans at 19828, in addition to reports monitored via social media or referred by various entities.
Abdel Mawgoud added that the Rapid Intervention Team immediately heads to the location of the report to begin handling the case by assessing its needs, whether through psychological support or urgent requirements. Some cases require transfer to hospitals for medical treatment, while others need placement in care homes.
Abdel Mawgoud further said that 56 cases were handled over three days across different governorates, with Cairo recording the highest number of interventions due to its large population, followed by Giza, Alexandria, and Gharbia.
The spokesperson stressed that finding someone on the street does not necessarily mean they are homeless, as some individuals have families and homes but face domestic problems requiring social intervention.
Abdel Mawgoud added that the ministry studies each case individually to determine the appropriate intervention, whether by providing in‑kind or financial assistance, or offering psychological support and family counseling through the ministry’s various programs.
Abdel Mawgoud emphasized that dealing with children involves reviewing their status to determine whether they have known families or are of unknown parentage, as well as assessing family conditions. Cases with no shelter or difficulty in placement are directly admitted to care homes affiliated with the Ministry of Social Solidarity, in coordination with NGOs and civil society institutions, with cases classified by age to ensure appropriate services for each group.
🖋️Source: Al-Ahram Online Portal
