When temperatures outside fall below zero, many people suffer injury or lose their lives. People die as a result of excessive body cooling. Frostbite of the limbs also often occurs and can lead to amputation. The problem primarily affects people experiencing homelessness, those who are alone and the elderly. The risk to health or life concerns not only people staying outdoors. Staying in abandoned and unheated premises is also dangerous.

Police officers appeal to residents of the city and Bolesławiec County to report situations in which people’s health or lives are at risk. Such information can be reported by calling 997 or 112. Officers will help the person in need reach an appropriate facility where they can receive assistance.

Shelter, overnight shelter, soup kitchen

Bolesławiec has a shelter with 30 places and an overnight shelter with 10 places for men experiencing homelessness. The shelter and overnight shelter are located at al. 1000-lecia 30, on the grounds of the Hospital for the Nervously and Mentally Ill; telephone: 075 738 03 47. A soup kitchen operates at the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at plac Zamkowy 1 b; telephone: 075 735 11 10. It serves 100 meals a day.

Winter 2009/2010 operation – police activities in the city and county

During the winter months, increased inspections are carried out throughout the city and Bolesławiec County in places where people who are alone or experiencing homelessness may stay. The police cooperate in this area with local-government authorities and social organizations and facilities that are obliged to provide assistance to people in need. Officers also pay attention to intoxicated people staying outdoors. During night patrols, police officers check railway stations, stops, sewerage systems, district-heating facilities, abandoned buildings and allotment gardens. People who are alone or experiencing homelessness may stay in such places.

Information about people experiencing homelessness in the city can also be given to the Municipal Guard by calling 075 644 79 90 or 0 505 186 457.

(information: KPP Bolesławiec/MZ)