The state authorities are making special preparations for providing homeless services in the winter, including a national ambulance service team to help transport homeless to shelters, a human resources ministry state secretary said on Saturday.
A law amendment that prohibits using public spaces for habitat is entering force on October 15 and “we are preparing to offer extra help to those that currently live in the streets”, Bence Rétvári told a press conference.
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The government is spending 9 billion forints (EUR 28m) on homeless care services, making 9,800 places available in night shelters, with an extra capacity of 1,600 places to be opened on demand, he said. There will be a capacity of 7,600 in daytime shelters, he added. The government is setting aside a reserve fund of 300 million forints for extra homeless provision which will be available to both state organisations and charities, he added.
Ambulance services spokesman Pál Győrfi said three vehicles, withdrawn from regular service, will be dedicated to helping the homeless reach shelter. The members of this special ambulance team have been selected on a voluntary basis but they will get paid for their work, he added. They will be in contact with homeless care institutions and will be ready to help those in need, he said.
via MTI
featured image: Rétvári with Győri at the press conference; via Mónus Márton/MTI