The house of two brothers in the parish of Mogege, Vila Nova de Famalicão, has gained a new lease on life following the intervention by the association Just a Change. Over approximately two weeks, a team of young volunteers built a new bathroom from scratch, created an equipped kitchen, finished the facade, and applied interior insulation, in addition to replacing all doors and windows. The project has restored comfort and dignity to the family, including the two brothers who require special care and rely on the constant assistance of their sister, Dolores. "The house turned out very well and doesn't even look the same," shared Dolores, visibly pleased with the outcome.
João Lopes, director of the Famalicão Field for Just a Change, explained that trust was earned as the work progressed. "When they started seeing the walls being built, they immediately felt more confident with us," he stated, adding that the association's goal "is not just to rebuild houses, but also to rebuild the lives of the people living in these circumstances." Lopes gave a positive assessment of the cooperation with the local authority, highlighting "the proximity and agility in problem-solving, without bureaucratic constraints."
This year alone, the association has benefited five families in Vila Nova de Famalicão. As part of an ongoing plan for municipal financial aid, a total of 110,000 euros has been allocated between 2023 and 2026, enabling the renovation of 16 homes in the municipality. During a visit to Mogege, the Mayor of Vila Nova de Famalicão, Mário Passos, accompanied by the President of the Parish Council, Manuel Serafim, reaffirmed the daily importance of supporting the most vulnerable families. "The eradication of poverty is a commitment we do not forgo in Famalicão," stated Passos, emphasizing that collaboration with associations and Parish Councils allows for "restoring not only comfort and physical conditions to homes, but above all dignity, safety, and hope to families."
Homes and family units are pre-identified by municipal services in coordination with the Parish Councils. The municipal program "Casa Feliz" also supports conservation, repair, or improvement works for degraded housing, with applications open year-round at the Municipal Council's One-Stop Shop (Balcão Único de Atendimento), via the form available at www.famalicao.pt.
