Two homeless women, Cristiane Duarte da Silva and Vitória Duarte Machado, 21, separated for two decades, rediscovered the most powerful bond that united them - that of mother and daughter - without even realising it, after two months living together as friends in a shelter in Campinas (SP).
The discovery came after a EPTV television reporta Rede Globo affiliate in Campinas, showed Cristiane's graduation from vocational courses promoted by the Há Esperança Institute. Recognised by a family member from Vitória, the story moved the shelter, revealed deep scars of abandonment and violence, and showed the possibility of family reconstruction away from the streets.
Cristiane ended up on the streets after her stepfather attempted to sexually abuse her and because of her mother's indifferent reaction. The two were estranged for various reasons, including drug use and family quarrels.
Cristiane now dreams of reuniting her three children and finding a home to rebuild her family.
Source: Separated for 20 years, homeless women strike up a friendship without knowing they are mother and daughter / G1 Campinas and Region
Photo caption/ A homeless mother and daughter reunite after a report aired on EPTV2 - Photo: Reproduced by EPTV