It is expected that the demand will significantly grow next week, as the forecast says that the temperatures will go below zero. “In general, with every degree under zero the number of clients on the boat and other similar facilities in the capital increases,” explains Jiří Janeček, Councillor for Social Affairs.
Besides providing services on the boat, the workers from Prague Centre of Social Services set off to the streets of Prague every day. “We inform homeless people where they can go when it is freezing outside. They get professional help and medical treatment within the special ambulance service,” says Tomáš Ján, director of Prague Centre of Social Services.
In October, some 60 people received such medical treatment. The number is expected to be even higher in November. The most common problems affecting the homeless people are viral infections, the flu and colds. The damp weather also causes varicose ulcers. “We try to provide the homeless mainly with tablets and ointments. We also offer dry and warmer clothes,” explained the deputy director of PCSS Ludmila Tomešová.
Freezing weather that is expected to come next week will probably mean an increased intensity of ground services. “We are ready to increase the number of ambulance drives and the number of ground workers. If the temperatures drop far below zero, we will give out tea, soup and warm clothes for the homeless,” said Ms. Tomešová. The prepared measures will be used according to the situation caused by the freezing weather. PCSS representatives should meet with other NGO representatives next week to create a system of help for the homeless over the winter.