CZECH REPUBLIC: Homeless in Prague find shelter in floating hostel

The Czech capital is tackling the issue of its homeless population with a floating hostel. Local authorities hope a refurbished 60's boat will provide shelter from winter weather for those who would normally be forced to sleep on the streets. Cities across Europe have tackled the issues related to homeless people in different ways. And in the Czech capital of Prague, it is not uncommon to see people begging on the tourist-filled streets or gathering in parks to keep warm in the winter. Estimates suggest there are up to 4,000 homeless people attempting to survive on the Prague streets in any one year, and the winter weather is a real risk to those who have nowhere to sleep at night. In the winter of 2005/2006 local authorities built a tent town in a bid to prevent illness and death from the city's deep frosts. But this winter, assistant mayor Michal Kopecky is trying a new alternative, the result of an idea he said he got while fishing. With financial support from the government, Kopecky has overseen the transformation of an old 60's freight boat into a 'boatel', a floating hotel designed to accommodate homeless people. The refurbishment of the "Hermes" took five months and cost 23 million Czech crowns (about 820,000 euros). It now has 250 beds in 28 cabins, as well as a small galley (kitchen), dining area and first aid facilities. It is named after the god of travellers and salesmen, as well as the patron of thieves and poets. "This was our idea for an elegant, effective and flexible solution to the situation of homeless people in Prague," Kopecky said. "It is elegant because it is on a boat and in the centre, effective because it is not too expensive, and flexible because the boat can be quickly used for another purpose in the case of a critical situation. For example, it could be used to evacuate Prague citizens." About 20 members of staff, members of the charity organisation Nadeje (Hope) prepare the boat which sits on the river Vltava for its clients. They clean and organise the cabins as well as cook tea and soup. "I believe it is a good project which will serve people and help them to re-start their normal lives," said regional director of Nadeja, Petra Lakatosova (pron = lah-kuh-tosh-uh-vuh). Homeless clients line up to board the Hermes, before paying their 20 Czech crowns (approx 0.70 euro) and registering for the night. The fee will provide them with a clean bed, shower, tea and snacks. Anyone affected by alcohol or drugs is not permitted on board and there is no smoking or drinking on the boat. The reaction from the clients is positive. "I was sleeping outside on a bench and I find this one very good," said one man. "It looks very nice here. We'll see how well I will sleep here. The main thing is that I have to get some work tomorrow," said another. Across the river is another floating hotel, the "Albatross", which has sat on the river for more than 25 years. But the Albatross is a regular hotel and the clients there must pay approximately 100 euro a night to enjoy the river views.

ITN Source | February 21, 2007

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