The city of Catania, in Sicily, said that it provided shelter and assistance to approximately 15,000 migrants from May until July, among them pregnant women and children.
Catania authorities have confirmed that shelter and assistance were made available to 15,000 persons at the local facility in via Forcile over a period of less than three months between May and July.
Among the migrants, 700 were reported to be minors and a dozen pregnant women. The migrants come primarily from Tunisia, but also from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Morocco, and Egypt, authorities said.
The facility in via Forcile, in the premises of the former fruit and vegetables market and former vaccination hub, is managed with the support of the diocese's Caritas together with institutions and volunteer associations.
Up to 500 people are assisted per day over the last weeks
The sheltering activities have been operating non-stop in the summer months when the number of arrivals has significantly increased. Over the last weeks, the facility reportedly assisted 500 persons per day.
"The effort of so many citizens of Catania is to be admired, they belong to various associations and move a small army of volunteers to respond to the emergency," underscored the Archbishop, monsignor Luigi Renna.
"Catania confirms its spirit of being a welcoming city, ready to act as a team to help those in difficulty at present. We must always work to strengthen cooperation with the other institutions," he added.
How hospitality works in the city's former vaccination hub
Hospitality in the Via Forcile facility lasts between two and four days. During those days migrants are prepared for their transfer to other regions where there are first shelter and integration centers accredited by the Ministry.
At the facility, staff reportedly works non-stop to ensure first assistance and identification of migrants in a state of emergency are provided.
At the former vaccination hub, various areas were set up to offer essential services such as beds, baths, showers, and areas to eat.
Under the coordination of the Prefecture, the Civil Protection of Catania, in collaboration with the municipality, the Red Cross, the Diocesan Caritas, and various associations, ensures the proper functioning of the center.