The homeless in Kirov will receive medical support through a presidential grant.

      The issue of hygiene accessibility for the homeless in Kirov was discussed back in April 2025. At a round table organized by "Lonely.NEТ", representatives of the authorities and community activists spoke about the lack of a system of free showers and toilets in the city. At that time, the first results of the work were announced: over the year, the homeless received more than 300 haircuts and visited the shower 500 times.

      By June 2025, the organization was among 14 Kirov NGOs that won the presidential grant competition. In August, the project "Express Assistance for Homeless People" was launched. With funds amounting to 130,000 rubles, a dryer, computer, recirculators, and other equipment were purchased.

      As a result of the first phase, which ended in March 2026, 44 volunteers provided 699 services to 81 homeless individuals — twice as many as planned. The homeless were able to take a shower 137 times, use hairdresser services 142 times, and receive clothing and hygiene products 226 times. Additionally, a paramedic who joined the volunteers referred 25 people to the hospital and provided first aid to four on-site.

      Now — a new phase. The winners of the second competition of the Presidential Grants Fund for 2026 have been announced. Among them are 12 socially oriented non-profit organizations from the Kirov region, including "Lonely.NEТ" with the project "Time to Help". The total amount of grant support for NGOs in the region exceeded 28 million rubles, with 3 million 42 thousand 718 rubles allocated for the needs of the homeless.

      While earlier the work focused on urgent assistance, the emphasis is now shifting to regular and expanded services. As stated in the project description on the Presidential Grants Fund website, two key issues will be addressed: access to basic hygiene services and the health of the homeless.

      With grant funds, it is planned to increase the working hours of the hairdresser and warehouse worker from two to four hours, as well as extend the hours of informational assistance. Additionally, the project includes training an employee to become a social worker. Special attention will be given to medical support: a workspace for a first aid consultant and coordination with clinics will be organized, and two first aid workshops will be conducted for staff, volunteers, and anyone interested.

      Why is such assistance in demand? According to surveys conducted by the organization itself, of the 343 people on the client list, 39% do not have the opportunity to take a shower regularly, and 57% cannot get a haircut. More than a hundred people have chronic illnesses but, due to life circumstances, do not seek medical help. From August 2025 to January 2026, out of 81 clients who visited the volunteer center, 25 sought help from a volunteer paramedic.

      The project is planned for 13 months — from August 2026 to August 2027. During this time, at least 343 needy individuals, who are already on the organization's lists, as well as people at risk of homelessness, will receive assistance. Among them are not only those living on the streets but also those who have housing but lack money for food, hygiene products, or medicine.

      In addition to grant funds, the organization is also attracting its own co-financing — over 1.78 million rubles, as well as assistance from partners. For example, LLC "Medprof" provides disinfection of the premises, and the charity fund "Let's Help Children Together. Kirov" assists with clothing donations.

      The new project "Time to Help" is the next step in the systematic work with the homeless in Kirov. The organization aims not only to meet basic needs but also to help people return to a normal life.