The capital city of Prague will initiate its winter humanitarian aid measures for homeless individuals on 1 December 2024. The programme will run until 31 March 2025, aiming to provide support to those in need during the cold winter months. This year, Prague is offering over 700 sleeping spaces in shelters and 24/7 facilities across the city. Additionally, mobile support services will be strengthened.
“Each year, we strive to improve our winter aid measures. For example, last year, we were able to guarantee hospital beds for those in need for the first time. This year, we are offering 100 more sleeping places in our shelters compared to the previous year. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all employees of the Prague Centre for Social Services, who coordinate these efforts, as well as to non-profit organisations, medical staff, the police, and the municipal police. Together, we ensure safety and dignified conditions for those facing challenging life situations,” said Alexandra Udženija, Deputy Mayor for Social Affairs and Health.
As in previous years, the Prague Centre for Social Services (Centrum sociálních služeb Praha) will coordinate these measures alongside its regular activities. It will provide its own shelters, enhance selected services, and connect organisations and institutions involved in the winter aid programme through a central hub. The centre also operates an intervention team to improve collaboration with hospitals for the discharge of homeless individuals after treatment or hospital stays.
“Every year, thanks to the public’s attention and the compassion of those who care about the plight of homeless citizens, the support grows. Many reach out to homeless individuals, checking if they need assistance. We are very grateful for this. Only through joint efforts can we protect the health and lives of homeless people in Prague as much as possible,” explained Roman Béla, Director of the Prague Centre for Social Services.
Collaboration and Support from Partners
The implementation of the winter humanitarian measures would not be possible without the support and cooperation of the Prague Municipal Police, the Police of the Czech Republic, the Prague Emergency Medical Service, the sobering-up station, and social curators in the city districts. Direct involvement also comes from organisations such as Naděje, the Salvation Army (Armáda spásy), Caritas, and many others.
The city also calls on the public to remain vigilant to the needs of homeless individuals and to alert emergency services in cases of life-threatening situations or health concerns. “You can also contact the municipal police by dialling 156. The officers will assist homeless individuals in contacting the central hub, finding available shelter capacities, and connecting with mobile support services from other organisations,” added Director Béla.
All information is available on the website bezdomova.eu (in Czech), including guidance on what to do if you encounter someone in need of help. The website features a map and an overview of services, ranging from food distribution points and day centres to emergency shelters where homeless individuals can warm up and rest free of charge, as well as counselling and medical services.
Since the start of the winter aid measures, Prague has also distributed flyers outlining locations where homeless people can warm up, eat, or sleep free of charge. The information flyer is available under Leták.
Details of Winter Aid Measures 2024/2025
- Safe sleeping spaces and shelters: Over 700 places in emergency shelters and 24/7 facilities, including specialised accommodations for individuals with severe health issues, such as the Kloubovy domy and Troja 24/7 facilities.
- Mobile programmes: Expanded daily and nightly operations by teams providing direct assistance to homeless individuals. These teams focus on urgent medical aid and referrals to suitable facilities.
- Medical care: Collaboration with medical institutions, including the Prague Aftercare Hospital and the Na Františku Hospital, to offer specialised examinations and hospital stays for homeless individuals.
- Hygiene centres: Two night hygiene centres where homeless people can wash, receive clean clothes, and access medical care. These centres also help prepare individuals for further referrals or visits to other institutions.
