The German Red Cross (DRK) is calling for increased protection for homeless people in light of the current heatwave. According to a DRK spokesperson quoted in the “Rheinische Post” (Friday edition), while most people can retreat to their cool homes, this relief is not available to homeless individuals who are exposed to the sun without protection and are often already physically weakened.
The spokesperson suggested that cities and municipalities should provide cool public spaces during the summer or install public drinking fountains-a measure that would benefit everyone. Furthermore, adequate accommodation and suitable places to spend time, complete with counseling services, must be available for the homeless even in the summer months. She noted that insufficient state funding in this sector across many regions is problematic, leading many services to operate only during the colder seasons.
Meanwhile, Michaela Engelmeier, the Chairwoman of the Social Association Germany (SoVD), emphasized the need for greater public education regarding the health dangers of extreme heat. Engelmeier stated to the newspaper that there must be “accessible information services as well as concrete measures to strengthen heat protection knowledge in daycare centers, care facilities, and schools.” She added, “The information available is often poor, particularly for vulnerable groups. Many people do not know how to effectively protect themselves.”
