Hungary launches census of homeless people in Budapest. Since a constitutional law of 2018, homeless people risk imprisonment.
Like this homeless person, there are between 1,000 and 1,500 homeless people sleeping in the streets of Budapest each evening, and 5,000 spending the night in accommodation centers.
To get a clear idea of the number of homeless people in the Hungarian capital, the authorities have started a census.
“I was a chef downtown but during covid unfortunately it was the absolute end of hospitality. I didn’t find a solution. First I lost my job, then my girlfriend “, explains a homeless man.
This shelter, located in the capital and open since 1990, is one of the few to help homeless people.
“I’m happy here. I have everything, it’s a quiet place”explains one of the residents of the home.
Since a 2018 constitutional law, the Hungarian government has toughened living conditions for homeless people, who now risk imprisonment.
This census is therefore taking place as part of a major survey launched by the European Union in several countries, including Hungary.
“The European Union has launched a major joint international survey. The aim is to assess the scale and composition of homelessness in ten countries. Based on a common approach and methodology to provide targeted support to reduce the number of homeless people”explains Péter Győri, President of the Shelter Foundation.
The government prohibits homeless people from sleeping in public spaces, but offers no alternative solutions.
Budapest is one of the European capitals where rents have increased the most in recent years.