Vienna (OTS) – From November to the beginning of May, the Vienna Red Cross offered shelters for homeless people as part of the “Winter Package” of the Vienna Social Fund – an offer that was frequently taken up. The winter package offers ended at the beginning of May and spring-like temperatures.
A roof over your head is an essential good in winter – but not affordable for everyone who lives in Vienna. As part of the winter package, the homeless assistance facilities of the Vienna Red Cross offer support in the low-threshold area of Vienna’s homeless assistance. These measures are funded by the Vienna Social Fund (FSW). “The figures for the winter package 23/24 show us that the Vienna Homeless Aid, together with its partner organizations, has once again offered important help on cold winter nights. The tailor-made planning of the winter package and the utilization figures also show that low-threshold access to services from the Vienna Homeless Assistance Service is particularly in demand in the winter months. This is also evident from the good utilization of the partner organizations’ warming rooms
“, emphasizes FSW Managing Director Susanne Winkler regarding the cooperation with the partner organizations of the Vienna Social Fund as part of the winter package.
Emergency accommodation Haus Baumgarten
The emergency shelter Haus Baumgarten offered protection from the cold with 71 sleeping places. Here, clients not only have access to free clothing distribution, but also storage space for personal items as well as washing machines and dryers. There are also shower facilities and the offer of a medical consultation.
„At Haus Baumgarten we looked after 431 clients, with a total of 12,958 overnight stays. The nationalities of the people cared for are widely spread. We have looked after people seeking protection from 40 different countries
“, says Bernhard Pillitsch, deputy head of the homeless assistance department at the Vienna Red Cross.
Darwingasse warming room
The Darwingasse warming room also has a free clothing distribution and the opportunity to wash and dry laundry. During the day, the warming room is a place of refuge and safety for 55 people. The clients receive a warm lunch and can also benefit from a doctor’s weekly consultation.
„In the Darwingasse warming room we recorded an increase in visitors of almost 15% compared to the previous year
“, said Pillitsch. “16,877 visits were recorded, an average of 93 people per day.
“
„We can look back on good utilization of our offers in the winter package
“, so Bernhard Pillitsch. „Overall, our offers were very well received. People need protection and warmth, but also medical advice, shower facilities and washing machines. We were able to make that possible for them too
Pillitsch continues.
Open all year round: “das Stern”
To round off the overall offering, the Vienna Red Cross day and advice center “das Stern” near the Praterstern in Vienna’s second district offers homeless people a comprehensive range of advice on various issues, and here too those affected can stay indoors on cold days. The day and advice center “das Stern” is open 365 days a year.
„Due to the challenging economic times and the difficult geopolitical situation, we assume that the Red Cross’s services will continue to be needed in the future
“ says Pillitsch in conclusion.
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Questions & Contact:
Vienna Red Cross
Mag. Tobias Mindler
public relation
+43/664/8583510
tobias.mindler@w.roteskreuz.at
https://www.roteskreuz.at/wien/home