José Manuel Bolieiro lays first stone for Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Vila do Porto Residential Home - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the ceremony of laying the first stone for the construction of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Vila do Porto Residential Home, a new social initiative that will strengthen the support network for people with disabilities in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

Accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, the President of the Regional Government highlighted the importance of this initiative for the island of Santa Maria and the promotion of social inclusion.

"This investment is a clear demonstration of a policy of proximity, focused on human dignity and territorial cohesion. It is a commitment to the people and the future of our Region," stated the President of the Government. 

The new residential home is intended for the collective, temporary or permanent accommodation of people with disabilities who, for various reasons, cannot remain in their family environment. The infrastructure will be adapted on a single floor, through modifications, expansions and partial demolitions, ensuring adequate accessibility and comfort for users.

"The construction of this home is more than a mere building project; it is a demonstration of respect for the rights of all, especially those most in need," he emphasised.

The work will have a completion period of 420 days and represents an overall investment of €1,885,000.00.

The works contract will be carried out by the company Construtora Manuel & Avelino, Lda, under the supervision of Norma S.A. The project was designed by MAT – Arquitetura e Especialidades.

The home will have capacity for 21 residents, distributed across nine double rooms and one triple room, reflecting a care model that combines functionality and a family atmosphere.

This project is part of a broader strategy by the Regional Government to consolidate and improve the network of social facilities, with a special focus on disability, childhood and youth.

"We will continue to invest in infrastructure to guarantee adequate and high-quality social responses, always on a path towards social justice and inclusion," assured the President of the Government. 

The Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Vila do Porto currently operates 12 services, including five Free Time Activity Centres (CATL), a Residential Facility for the Elderly (ERPI), an Activity and Training Centre for Inclusion (CACI), a Nursery, a Day Centre, Caregiver Rest and Emergency Shelter, among others. The institution has a staff of 103 professionals and provides support to 272 users.

The new residential home represents a decisive step towards consolidating institutional autonomy and expanding its social mission among the island's most vulnerable population.

The ceremony was also attended by the Mayor of Vila do Porto, Bárbara Chaves, the President of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Vila do Porto, Rui Figueiredo Melo, and the President of the General Assembly of the same institution, Lubélia Chaves.