It should be hot in Luxembourg at least until Sunday and 33°C expected. A yellow alert was even extended until Friday, at least. Under these conditions, and while recommendations have been multiplying among the population for several weeks, what support is provided to homeless people? “For people living on the street, the heat is often all the more dangerous because they have no place of refuge to protect themselves and they have more difficulty accessing drinking water,” says warns the Stëmm vun der Strooss. For the ASBL, vigilance therefore does not stop after winter.
In recent times, a special device has been put in place on a daily basis. “Since the first heat wave, large quantities of water bottles have been distributed in social restaurants in Hollerich and Esch-sur-Alzette,” explains the structure. Adapted furniture and “large parasols” have also been installed on the terraces so that the beneficiaries can sit in the shade. The “Saxo” center, located at 24, rue de Hollerich, also offers water bottles that the homeless can come and fill “as often as necessary”.
“Street workers try to direct each person they meet on the street to structures where they can rest and take a shower,” adds Corinne Cahen, Minister of Family and Integration. According to her, the supply is assured and there is no need to create an additional summer emergency shelter. More broadly, the ministry “financially supports a certain number of structures which take care of the homeless all year round”. In particular Caritas, the Red Cross or Abrisud, a home made available by the City of Esch-sur-Alzette.