Ice-cold tragedy: Two homeless people froze to death in Vienna!

Ice-cold tragedy: Two homeless people froze to death in Vienna!

In Vienna, the cold wave has had tragic consequences in recent days. Two homeless men froze to death in the freezing conditions. The first, a 57-year-old man, was found in critical condition on Frauenstiftgasse in Floridsdorf on Saturday and, despite being rescued, was taken to hospital, where he died. On Sunday, another man was discovered motionless in Martin Luther King Park in Favoriten, who also could not be saved. The identity of the second deceased is still unclear, the investigation is ongoing.

Both men had already been in contact with Caritas social workers, but refused to go to an emergency shelter. “There is something going on,” says Markus Hollendohner, head of homeless and homeless assistance at the Vienna Social Fund (FSW), and is affected by the sad deaths. The last few days have seen freezing temperatures around and below zero degrees, making it very difficult for people without a permanent address to survive.

Help in the cold period

Caritas Vienna director Klaus Schwertner informs that the cold telephone has received more than 8,000 calls since the start of the cold period. On some days up to 350 reports were received. These provide an important contact point for the population to report homeless people. “We hear of numerous cases where homeless people with a critical body temperature, even as low as 34 degrees, were taken to the hospital in a timely manner,” Schwertner continued.

In Vienna, around 1,000 sleeping places are available as part of the winter emergency aid. In addition, 13 emergency shelters and three warming rooms offer protection until the end of April. Caritas has launched winter emergency aid especially during this time to help homeless people and make it easier for them to survive in the cold. Streetwork teams are active and hand out clothing, sleeping bags, sleeping mats and warm drinks. If necessary, sleeping places in emergency accommodation can also be arranged.

A call for support

Caritas and the Vienna Social Fund are appealing to the people of Vienna to use the cold telephone and continue to provide help. The cold phone is under the number01/480 4553available to report the whereabouts and sleeping places of homeless people. “We have to stick together and make sure that no one is forgotten in this cold,” emphasizes Schwertner.

According to forecasts, the next few days will continue to bring freezing temperatures. So the challenge that many homeless people face will continue. This makes it clear: In this cold season, much more than just good intentions is needed - active action is required to help the vulnerable members of our society. Further information and donation options can be found at caritas.at.