Homeless Population and Climate Emergencies from the Perspective of Street Clinic Teams in Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

This qualitative and descriptive study analyzes reports from Street Clinic Teams (Equipes de Consultórios na Rua - eCR) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, collected during the III State Meeting of eCR in response to the climate emergency that occurred in 2024. The study aimed to identify challenges, strengths, and weaknesses in actions implemented by municipalities for the homeless population (População em Situação de Rua - PSR) during the climate event, as well as to verify the existence of specific contingency plans for this population. The analysis was based on documentary sources, including the partial and final reports of the meeting, held in December 2024. Discussions at the event focused on actions directed at the PSR during the floods of May 2024. Additionally, an experience report on the meeting and municipal decrees and laws from participating municipalities with eCR were examined to confirm the information provided by the teams. It was observed that, although some municipalities have contingency plans for emergency and disaster situations, these plans do not address the specific needs of the PSR. The eCR highlighted weaknesses such as the lack of coordination among municipal, state, and federal levels, service disruption, and a shortage of qualified professionals. In contrast, the resilience and adaptability of the teams were emphasized. The study concludes that developing more effective and coordinated responses to emergencies requires the establishment of contingency plans specifically for the PSR, intersectoral coordination, and the strengthening of participation by civil society organizations and social movements.