People in vulnerable situations often self-isolate to avoid having others ‘see’ how precarious their lives have become.
Some may worry that they or their children will be removed from homes that have become unhealthy. Others may be afraid that landlords will evict them if authorities become aware of the poor living conditions. Some will have already had disappointing experiences with CSOs or government agencies that offered help but never delivered.
Many poor people believe more in buying a lottery ticket on Friday, the 13th than that the governments will do anything to help them.
Frank Billeau, Réseau Eco-Habitat, France
CEES Partners experienced this reticence in various ways and offer the following thoughts and tips.
Once you have identified and visited one household, try to tap into their experience to help their peers — as a favour to them and to you. This is an organic way to set up an ‘insider’ referral system and the best way to overcome the obstacle of distrust. Once one member of a vulnerable group reports good and trustworthy service, others are likely to engage more easily. The process becomes easy and seamless.
ZEZ, Croatia
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