A população em situação de rua no Centro do município de Fortaleza e seu acesso ao Programa Bolsa Família

Abstract

Social inequalities in Brazil are historically deep-rooted, reflecting the deprivation of fundamental rights and the persistence of extreme poverty. In the center of Fortaleza, this reality is evident, with a concentration of homeless individuals facing daily survival challenges. This study aimed to assess the access of this population to the Bolsa Família Program (PBF), analyzing its impacts on reducing social vulnerability and the challenges for its effective implementation. The research adopted the In-Depth Evaluation approach as its methodological perspective, with a qualitative approach. Bibliographic, documentary and field research were conducted, along with semi-structured interviews with homeless individuals and a volunteer activist, as well as photographic records. The collected data were subjected to content analysis, aiming to understand the dynamics of access to the benefit and its outcomes. The results indicate that, although the PBF represents an important mechanism for mitigating poverty, its access by homeless individuals is limited by bureaucratic barriers and the lack of continuous support for social reintegration. It was observed that, while the benefit is used for basic needs, there are reports of exploitative practices, such as the retention of cards by drug traffickers to secure payment for narcotics. It is concluded that social vulnerability transcends income deprivation, reaching multiple dimensions of human life. While the Bolsa Família is essential, it is insufficient to break the cycle of exclusion without complementary policies for assistance and social reintegration. Future perspectives involve improving beneficiary identification criteria and expanding integrated policies that combine cash transfers with access to housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities, enabling more effective inclusion of this population.