City of Dresden Expands Emergency Capacity for the Homeless

Dresden is increasing the capacity of its homeless shelters by 50 beds. As the city announced in a press release, a total of 491 beds are now available to homeless people. According to the information provided, a referral from the social services office is required to secure a spot in a municipal shelter.

In addition, the so-called “night cafés” will open on Sunday. Seven churches will offer homeless people a place to sleep through March 31. The night cafés also provide a hot meal and opportunities to shower or do laundry. In exchange, the churches charge “a symbolic euro,” as Gerd Grabowski, one of the project’s coordinators, explained. “If something costs nothing, it’s worth nothing,” he said. According to him, between 260 and 270 volunteers participate in the night cafés throughout the season.