Night Shelter for foreigners is well on the way
08-01-2010

The temporary emergency shelter for homeless foreigners which was set up by some private organisations including  Project Outside is now very well on the way.

Since the opening on the third of January the shelter has had on average sixteen  visitors per night. But the number is increasing as the good rumour is being spread.                                                                                             

- In one week the shelter will be completely occupied, says the leader of the Emergency Shelter, Mr. Brian Sørensen.

Some of the visitors have been referred to the shelter from other shelters which are not allowed to give room to foreigners. The shelter can house forty sleeping guests.

While last year many of the visitors  were Romanians, this year most of the guests are  Poles. And a great deal of them are “new in the street”, hoping for a job and a better life in Denmark.

- Many of them are young people, the youngest among them are 22 years old.  Most of them are looking for a job but have not succeeded. That’s why they are very grateful for the help we can offer to them, says Brian Sørensen.

A bowl of soup, a bed and medical care

Besides a bowlful of soup and a warm bed it is also possible for the homeless foreigners to be attended  and, if necessary, to be treated by a nurse. Brian Sørensen tells that once a week voluntary nurses of Project Udenfor come to look after the guests of the shelter.

This year the shelter also offers to the homeless foreigners councelling and guidance about how to find their way in the danish public system and what are their rights.

Need to start up earlier

The shelter which is financed by private foundations and organised by a  group of organisations working for homeless people is open until the end of the month of  March.

- But, having experienced very cold days in December, we hope to be able to open the shelter one month earlier next year, Brian Sørensen tells.

It is now the third year that the Emergency Shelter offers help to homeless foreigners. If you should want to participate as a volunteer, please contact Brian Sørensen, telehpone  number 2162 0588 or mail:  bs@udenfor.dk

FACTS
The Emergency Shelter has been established in the crypt of Samuels kirken at Nørrebro. Eight organisations are involved in the project. The shelter is open every day from eleven p.m. - eight a.m. The project has received  financial support from the OAK Foundation, the Bikuben Foundation and the Foundation of Susi and Peter Robinsohn.