According to the homeless and staff working with them, extreme heat, such as during the current wave, can kill.
The heatwave in Hungary continues. The prolonged heat is taking its toll on everyone, but those who live on the streets every day are in a particularly risky situation.
Red alert triggered
As of this Sunday, the Secretary of State for Social Affairs announced the triggering of the red arte, which means that after informing the people in charge of the organization, social services must welcome the homeless. The latter must be welcomed at least for the time to hydrate, take a bath and freshen up.
NGOs working with homeless people are also adapting to the emergency. This is the case of the Shelter Foundation, whose day shelter is now used more to provide water.
“Right now, organizations are trying to encourage homeless people to escape the burning sun, because it is dangerous. Therefore, those who can organize their services in such a way that someone is always on watch, this is the right strategy.“, Zoltán Aknai, director of the Shelter Foundation, told Euronews.
Weather conditions put the homeless to the test (in all seasons)
Volunteers from the Budapest Bike Maffia association prepare hundreds of sandwiches for people living on the streets twice a week. During this season, they also bring them water. One of the volunteers of the organization points out that the weather conditions are a challenge for the homeless, and this is the case all year round.
“In summer, they have much less places to go to cool off, it is much more difficult for them to shower and wash their clothes. In this sense, it is much more difficult for them, but other problems arise during another season“, said András Molnár.
The volunteers have formed a community through their work together, with many cycling together on set routes. Homeless people encountered during the outreach explain:
“It’s hard, hard, but you can survive. Like the cold in winter, you can survive it. It’s true that it’s hot, but you have to take shelter in the shade“, said a man from Jászai Mari tér who had recently lost his job and ended up on the street. Another man in front of Vígszínház said the same thing:
“If you are dehydrated, you have big health problems. If you are dehydrated, you need 3-4 liters quickly. I have read and heard it. You also need a shady place. So you can get out of it “.
Helping people in difficulty
NGOs claim that homeless people are more exposed in winter than in summer. However, even in summer, people in need of help can be found on the streets. In many cases, the attitude of passers-by can make the difference and allow a person to find shelter in time.
The first thing to do is to ask a person if they are okay. If they do not want to move to the shade, you should call homeless services. Finally, if the person seems sick, you should call an ambulance.