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Sleeping cabins in downtown Ulm protect homeless people from death by cold

When I look out the window, I notice that the snow has taken over again during the course of the day. No wonder, these days the temperatures drop below zero at night again. If you are protected in your own four walls during this time, then you have no problem with that. The situation is different for the homeless, who in many places have to spend these nights on the streets again.

Although there are homeless shelters or train station missions in many places that take people in during the day or at night, this is not a solution for everyone. Some just don’t trust the facilities, others have a pet and are therefore usually left standing in front of the door. So what can be done to save these people from death by cold?

An inconspicuous capsule could save the lives of the homeless (Image: Ulmer Nest)

A solution is now available in Ulm. At the beginning of the year, several sleeping cabins were installed in the city that homeless people can use to stay. These can accommodate up to two people and protect the occupants from cold, wind and moisture. Privacy is also very important and no video cameras are installed in or on the cabins. That should strengthen trust.

City employees find out from the built-in door sensor whether the capsule is currently occupied or free. If the accommodated person has moved on after a more or less restful night, employees flock out to clean the small house before the next guest arrives. The next few months should then show to what extent the project is accepted and to what extent it protects people.

Up to two people can find protection in the sleeping capsule (Image: Ulmer Nest)

Other equipment in the sleeping cabins is also interesting. Solar panels provide electricity and, among other things, keep a built-in radio running. In emergencies, the resident can contact various offices. The initiators of the so-called Ulmer Nest see the new dwellings only as an alternative, not as a replacement for existing accommodation.

Own opinion:

Personally, I think it’s great what the people of Ulm have achieved here. Especially in the current Corona time, we waste far too little thought on those who do not have a real home. In our advanced society, every cold death is an avoidable death, so the positive effects will hopefully lead to other cities adopting this approach in the near future.

via Independent

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