08 January 2024 17:19
Hundreds of homeless people have used the winter shelter in recent days. At temperatures below zero degrees this is possible in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht. The agreement took effect on Friday.
The winter cold regulation comes into effect when the perceived temperature drops below freezing. Then it becomes too dangerous to sleep outside. In the four main cities, more places to sleep will therefore be available, in addition to the normal winter shelter
Last night was the busiest so far. In Amsterdam, 212 people slept in additional shelters. In Rotterdam there were around 122 more people. In The Hague, 79 people were looking for a warm place to sleep. Another hundred people slept in the Utrecht shelter.
The previous nights, a total of 354 people had slept in the cold winter shelter. In Rotterdam there were 179 and in The Hague 130.
It is not yet clear when the extra care will stop. It depends on the weather. The matter will be examined again on Tuesday, says a spokesperson for the municipality of Amsterdam.
Measures are also being adopted in other municipalities
In Leiden, the municipality is inviting people to come forward if they know someone who lives in a place “unsuitable for this cold”. Leiden does not fall into the extra cold winter pattern.
More reception places are available in Arnhem, says councilor Maurits van de Geijn (Volt). Gelderland. Red Cross employees were also in the square. They actively try to encourage those sleeping rough to take shelter.
The Salvation Army has opened more than one hundred “community lounges” for those seeking “warmth and intimacy.” People can come here every day to drink a cup of coffee, play games or rest.
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The Public Prosecutor donates sleeping bags from criminals to the homeless in Rotterdam
Image: ANP
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2024-01-08 16:19:00
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