In order to help vulnerable sections struggling due to the COVID-19 crisis, Serbian housing rights collective Združena Akcija Krov nad Glavom (Joint Action Roof Over Your Head) has initiated a campaign for the distribution of food and other essentials to people in need. Till May 12, the group had delivered foodstuff, masks and sanitizers to hundreds of people in distress, especially single mothers, homeless people, old-age and health pensioners, workers who have lost their jobs, etc., across various neighborhoods in Serbian cities. The group also provided accommodation to homeless people during the lockdown.
Last week, the group demanded that the government in Serbia take urgent measures to ensure the survival of the most vulnerable sections of society.
Masina quoted the group as stating, “With the beginning of the epidemic, the entire activity of collecting and processing secondary raw materials stopped, both due to the emergency measures and due to the complete unavailability of protective equipment, which means that collecting households, which are not protected by any contract, currently lost their only income.”
In a statement, the group also expressed gratitude to all those who have contributed funds to the relief distribution.
Serbia declared a state of emergency on March 15 to contain the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country. As of May 12, 10,176 people have tested positive for COVID-19 and 218 people have died in Serbia.
