Diaconia Saxony is calling on the population to pay particular attention to the homeless in view of the hot summer days. Extreme heat can be particularly life-threatening for people without shelter, according to Diakonie in Radebeul. People without access to shade, water or showers are particularly at risk. "People sleeping in the sun should be woken up", Diakonie spokesperson Nora Köhler told the German Press Agency.
Water bottle, sun cream or headgear as an offer of help
"We recommend carrying an extra bottle of water with you and giving it to people who need it. This also applies to sun cream and headgear. Our diaconal institutions and services are dependent on donations in kind and money. We should ask locally what is needed," emphasized the spokesperson.
Diaconia Dresden generally offers free drinks in its counselling and meeting places - and not just when it's hot. The station mission and emergency housing help center also provide food and water to take away, it said. The facilities are open to visitors during opening hours.
Counselling centers open cool rooms for those in need
In addition, the counselling centers provide tips on how to behave in hot weather. At Diakonie Pirna, homeless people can stay in the Diakonie and parish center on Tuesdays during office hours and are provided with water. So far, there have been no particular cases of heat, the statement continued.
The Diakonie Freiberg also distributes water and other drinks on the go - if the donation situation allows - during street work and mobile offers. "The challenges for homeless people are similar all year round. However, the danger of heat is often underestimated in acute cases, while the focus is usually more on cold and wet weather," said the social service of the Protestant Church.
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