No One Should Be Left Alone During the Holidays
Today (December 20), Marshal Piotr Całbecki is meeting with the residents of shelters, soup kitchens, and institutions assisting individuals facing homelessness crises in Bydgoszcz, Toruń, Włocławek, Brodnica, and Chełmża to share Christmas wafer (opłatek). Representatives from these facilities are also participating in the festive meeting at the Regional Marshal’s Office.
“In building a solidarity-based society, we should be particularly sensitive and attentive to those who face various hardships. Homeless individuals, in order to improve their lives, have a chance for a better future, need others—they need us. Every step out of homelessness is a great shared success,” said Marshal Piotr Całbecki.
This year’s Christmas gathering includes residents of the St. Brother Albert Help Center in Bydgoszcz, the Municipal Homeless Shelter for Men in Toruń, the “Jericho” Shelter in Włocławek, the “Bethany” Shelter in Brodnica, the Homeless Shelter in Chełmża, and the residents of the “Heart of Toruń” association.
In Poland, as well as in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, the number of homeless individuals is decreasing. According to the latest survey, conducted in February 2024, there are over 30,000 people without a roof over their heads nationwide, with 1,600 in our region. Nearly half of the homeless people lost their homes due to eviction. One in five became homeless due to family conflict or alcohol addiction. In our region, there are 27 social assistance facilities in total, including 18 shelters (5 with caregiving services), 4 night shelters, and 5 warming centers, capable of accommodating 1,209 people at the same time.
The Regional Self-Government funds programs and projects aimed at this group, including social prevention initiatives and emergency support programs run by non-governmental organizations. The Marshal’s Regional Social Policy Center issues updated materials each year before winter, detailing locations providing help to homeless individuals. In this year’s edition, awareness posters and posters with information about facilities offering support to homeless individuals were distributed to social assistance institutions, public health institutions, the police, municipal guard stations, and railway services.
Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office
December 20, 2024