Local services
Due to the prolonged cold night, the Secretary of State for Social Policy at the Ministry of the Interior has issued a Code Red Alert from 8:00 PM on February 17 to February 21, 2025. The Code Red weather warning raises public awareness about extreme weather conditions and mandates all social sector institutions in the country to shelter those in need during this period.
On the 18th of February, Edit Bódor, President of the Debrecen Charity Board, and Diána Széles, Deputy Mayor of Debrecen and Co-Chair of the Board, visited the Dobozi Street unit of ReFoMix Nonprofit Public Benefit Ltd., which provides temporary housing services in Debrecen. They brought canned meat, sweets, blankets, and clothes to assist those in need.
At the location, Diána Széles emphasized the importance of paying extra attention to people living on the streets or those who have fallen into trouble during such times, as the cold weather poses a direct life-threatening danger to them. In Debrecen, the primary contact for helping the homeless is the staff of ReFoMix, who take appropriate actions. During the Code Red Alert, the elderly home on Pallagi Road, part of the City Social Service, is also exceptionally prepared to receive those in distress.
Although winter is always considered a crisis period for those in need, attention is heightened during the Code Red Alert. ReFoMix staff provide comprehensive help to people without homes with great care throughout the year. As the Debrecen Charity Board can only help with the support of its donors, the work of ReFoMix also deserves the support of Debrecen’s citizens. They mainly need blankets, coats, underwear, socks, and non-perishable food to care for their clients. Collective efforts are crucial to ensure that no one in Debrecen freezes on the streets or in unheated homes.
Edit Bódor highlighted that clothing and blanket donations can be placed in the container at the street front fence of ReFoMix’s unit at 2/D-2/E Dobozi Street, day or night. She expressed gratitude to the ReFoMix staff for their always compassionate and dedicated activities on behalf of the homeless, which provide hope to those in difficult life situations.
Anikó Pocsai-Farkas, the head of ReFoMix’s Dobozi Street unit, emphasized that anyone wishing to request help for those in need can call their street service at +36-30-206-1377, available 24/7, every day of the year. The Dobozi Street unit operates on four pillars: street service, daytime care, comprehensive healthcare, and a night shelter that strives to provide a home for those in need. The institution is currently operating at full capacity.
Source: debrecen.hu
