The area where volunteers will work has a big population density and is mostly inhabited by poor families. Volunteers leave in the heart of the historical centre, 20 minutes walking from placement.

After the initial orientation, you will have usually a morning shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3/4 hours per day.

Centro La Tenda was established in the early 80’s to address a vast array of social issues such as, social marginalisation, especially with regards to drug abuse and homeless assistance. Over the years, the Center has become a reference point in the Sanità neighbourhood, one of the areas of Naples with the highest poverty and crime rates. 

In 2005, activities were started to combat street poverty through the reception of homeless Italians and immigrants. The service starts with information, listening and orientation activities at the Help Centre inside the Naples Central Station. After a few months, the night shelter was opened.

In 2012 the NGO opened a small clinic to provide free healthcare both to the guests of the night shelter and to all the families in the neighbourhood living in poverty.

In 2013 they inaugurated a 24-hour facility that was created with the aim of welcoming homeless Italians and immigrants with health problems who need a period of social and health assistance.

Volunteers will preferably support workers during the morning in preparing meals and running the day service. The volunteer will help prepare ingredients, e.g. by chopping vegetables, bread, preparing dishes and helping to prepare meals.

You will also have the opportunity to learn some recipes, such as the famous pasta carbonara or meatballs according to the Neapolitan tradition and you will discover that meatballs and chicken are not used as a condiment for pasta in Italy.

In addition to preparing about 20 meals for the sick homeless who are in the 24-hour service, volunteers will also slice and prepare donated food that needs to be frozen. 

In the mornings, you'll support one social worker helping him in the kitchen and sometimes with small tasks related to the running of the facility.