Homeless People Use the Hermes Boat More and More (Portal of Prague)

Since 2007, when it first went into service, the Hermes boat has become very popular among homeless people. Increased demand for accommodation in May and June, i.e. during better weather, is proof of this. Despite the “ideal” weather conditions for homeless people the boat accommodated almost 120 people per night.

“When it was wet or cold on some days the number of people went up to around 135,” says Tomáš Ján, Director of the Centre for Social Services, Prague (CSSP), which runs the boat, noting that the staff of the Hermes have seen a 15% increase in clientele compared to last year.

Valuable assistance of field workers

Homeless people even have the assistance of the CSSP staff in the field. They particularly provide medical check-ups. “The most common problems are skin complaints such as varicose ulcers, fungal infections or sweat rash. Then, of course, there are certain allergies, bruising and sprains,” says CSSP Deputy Director Ludmila Tomešová.

Homeless, but working

According to CSSP staff, homeless people have begun to get involved in seasonal work. Building work is currently the most common employment. In July it is anticipated that some homeless people will head for Spain to pick oranges, with subsequent interest in the grape harvest in France and cucumber picking in Znojmo region in September.