Free bed and meal for homeless

As of 29 January 2012 homeless people in The Hague are eligible for a free bed in the night shelters. The shelters will open their doors because a cold spell is predicted for the coming days.

To ensure that nobody has to sleep in the cold, the Kessler Stichting and the Leger des Heils (Salavation Army) will offer free temporary accommodation. They will also be offered a warm meal there.

The winter measures take effect when the temperature drops below freezing five days in a row or when other weather factors present a health risk. This can happen when there is a combination of low temperatures with rain and/or snow, creating a lower wind chill temperature. The winter measures always take effect simultaneously in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht.

The winter measures can be found at three locations: the existing locations of the Leger des Heils on the Binckhorstlaan and the St. Barbaraweg and a temporary facility on the Genemuidenstraat. A total of 125 extra beds are available for homeless and street people with the winter measures. Experience has shown that this number is sufficient.

There is a more relaxed door policy during the winter measures. Homeless people will not be obliged to identify themselves and people who have been suspended from the shelter for a small breach of the rules will be allowed back in. Street people who do not wish to make use of the shelter may pick up a free insulating blanket at the shelters.

Homeless and street people are welcome at the facilities as of 16.00 hrs. Their stay is free during when the winter measures are in effect.

The municipality believes that everybody should have a roof over his head when temperatures drop below freezing.