People experiencing homelessness are informed about the forms of support available to them. They receive leaflets with the addresses and telephone numbers of support organisations. There are special places in Poznań designated for people in a crisis of homelessness.
Safer in a Shelter
Social workers encourage people experiencing homelessness to stay in a shelter. Most refuse but the offer of accommodation in a shelter is consistently repeated because after all, it is about the health and lives of these people. Poznań has over 300 places in shelters and several dozen in the warming centre on Krańcowa Street and night shelters on Borówki Street. However, it should be remembered that people under the influence of alcohol are not accepted. The exception is the warming centre on Krańcowa Street, where a maximum of 1 per mille of alcohol in the person's blood is allowed.
Mobile Support Point
People experiencing homelessness can receive hot meals, first aid, social and therapeutic counselling, clothing, personal protective equipment and hygiene products, as well as assistance in finding a place in a facility - all as part of the Mobile Support Point programme. It is financed by the City of Poznań and implemented by the associations Pogotowie Społeczne and Dom Pomocna Dłoń.
The Mobile Support Point operates from Monday to Friday at 1 Dworcowa Street, near the Summer Railway Station. On these days, meals are served between 5 and 7 p.m., and advice is available. Between 5 and 5.30 p.m., paramedics and nurses provide first aid and distribute personal protective equipment and dressings.
The Hungry will be Fed
A free meal can also be obtained as part of the "Zupa na Głównym' campaign (Saturday, 5.30 p.m., "Dworzec Zachodni' tram stop). Here, people in need will also receive clothing, cleaning products and information about places where they can get help.
In addition, meals are served by the Social Kitchen on Taczaka Street and by places serving hot meals on Ściegiennego, Niegolewskich and Łąkowa Streets. It is worth mentioning that the place on Łąkowa Street is not the same as it was a year ago. In October, the Elizabethan Centre for the Poor, run by the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Elizabeth, was launched here. The centre was established as part of the EU project addressed for people experiencing homelessness in Poznań. The centre operates as a complex of modernised space with comfortable toilets for disabled people, a canteen with two comfortable dining rooms and kitchen facilities, clothing and basic hygiene supplies distribution points, a bathhouse and laundry room, therapy, psychological and medical offices, a common room and a meeting place for people in need.
Women's Issues
Another initiative launched as part of the "Bezpieczna Przystań' project is the "Women's Issues Day Centre' for women experiencing homelessness, run by Caritas of the Archdiocese of Poznań. The day centre is located at 15 Mariacka Street. It is open Monday to Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. It has 24 places for women experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Among other things, they can receive a hot meal, psychological help, support in dealing with official matters, cooking classes and educational activities.
Personalised Support Based on Needs
The Municipal Social Support Centre offers help to the homeless, including day, night, and round-the-clock support, financial and non-financial aid, and access to publicly funded healthcare. Thanks to streetworkers and volunteers, the Centre stays informed about where homeless people are located and provides them with help that meets their actual needs.
Need help for a homeless person? Contact:
- Crisis Intervention (24/7) - +48 61 835 48 66 / +48 61 835 48 65
- Department of Assistance for Homeless People (Customer Service Point open during working hours of The Municipal Family Support Centre) - phone: +48 61 878 17 89
- Email: pomocbezdomnym@mopr.poznan.pl
- Online form: www.mopr.poznan.pl
- Municipal Police: 986
