Plzeň, Czech Republic – With winter tightening its grip, shelters for people experiencing homelessness in Plzeň are reaching capacity, providing essential refuge during freezing temperatures. The emergency shelter at Depo, activated specifically for such weather conditions, is nearly at full capacity. Meanwhile, the charitable Home of St. Francis, located near the station, still had available beds on the first frigid night.

Džemal Gërbani, head of the Home of St. Francis, shared insights into the increasing demand, stating, “We have a hundred and one beds, and eighty-eight people slept here on Monday night. We have a more relaxed regime, being more tolerant of alcohol and drugs due to the extreme cold. Presently, we would only turn away someone heavily under the influence or displaying aggressive behavior.”

Gërbani remains optimistic about the shelter’s capacity, even if the severe winter conditions persist. Citing previous experience in December, where the frost endured for around ten days, he noted that about twenty spots were still available. Anticipating a similar situation, Gërbani is confident in meeting the demand.

Depo, another emergency shelter activated by the city, saw fifty-three people seeking refuge on Monday night, indicating near-full occupancy. Operated by the Plzeň Christian Aid Center, this shelter exclusively functions during extreme weather conditions. Marek Novotný, the center’s director, reflected on their December operations, highlighting their ability to accommodate individuals with diverse needs, including a person in a wheelchair.

As winter intensifies, the plight of the homeless becomes more acute, necessitating the activation of emergency shelters to ensure the safety and well-being of those vulnerable to the harsh weather conditions. The collaboration between charitable organizations and city services becomes paramount in addressing the challenges posed by winter homelessness, offering a crucial lifeline to those seeking warmth and shelter during freezing temperatures in Plzeň.

Article by Prague Forum