A project to help the homeless: something we can all learn from

Sandro Drumond Brandão (photo) is a public prosecutor in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte, in the state of Minas Gerais. He is a volunteer worker, a medium and one of the directors of the Santo Agostinho (Saint Augustin) Christian Spiritist Centre.

In this interview, he speaks about a number of issues, including a social project to help people in need, focusing on the homeless: 

How did you become a Spiritist?

I found Spiritism when my mediunimic capacities flourished, which I saw as an invitation to get involved in efforts to help people in need. 

What strikes you the most in Spiritism?

What really strikes me in Spiritism is the connection it helps us establish with the word of Jesus. Spiritism allows us to move away from simply reading the Gospel to beginning an open dialogue with the true meaning of the word of God. 

Tells about the project you take part in, which involves the distribution of packed meals in the nights of Belo Horizonte.

It’s a sublime act of fraternity where we blatantly forget about ourselves in order to help others. But of course it’s not all roses. Not everyone is a Lazarus. That is something that encourages us to reflect on our humility and, especially, our mistaken priority to achieve short-term goals.

What else have you learned from that experience?

I can only express my gratitude after so many years working with the homeless. This experience has proved to be a valuable opportunity for my moral development and to help me widen the possibilities of providing assistance to our brothers and sisters. Through my work with the homeless I’ve had the opportunity of meeting new partners who showed new possibilities of work and introduced me to new communities, to deprived areas, to people suffering from substance addiction, children, the elderly etc.  

Is there anything else from that project that you would like to highlight?

I have learned a lot from the harsh reality of those living on the streets. I remember when I joined the project, one day I came across a group of homeless people and asked them straight if any of them was hungry. I was interrupted by our group leader, who told me to ask their names first. I was embarrassed but I learned a valuable lesson! 

Is there anything else you would like to share concerning specifically the distribution of food?

Every time you see a young child outside your door and you begin to complain about it, try to remember that in the same place you find your reluctance to provide help you find medicine for the ailments of your spirit. 

How do the material shortages of those living rough affect their emotional needs? 

There is a lot of emotional deprivation among the homeless, but the same applies to those who have a home. In their case, many are men and women who chose to live on the streets because of family problems, with their wife, husband, father, mother, step-parents, brothers and sisters etc. The street is just a place, a location. It doesn’t define the emotional heritage of its inhabitants. 

What are the contacts for those who want to contribute with this project?

You can find us on Instagram, at @grupo_espiritasantoagostinho, or via phone or WhatsApp, on + 55 (31) 98303-3708 - Grupo Espírita Santo Agostinho.

Is there anything else you would like to say?

The Teachings of Christ demand that we practice a great deal before we can face the written test. Charity is the best medication for the ailments of the spirit. At your darkest hour, leave your problems behind and go out to the streets to take a piece of bread to a brother or a sister. Interact with them for a while and, after that, check whether your pain has or has not been relieved.