Homeless face frigid winter in Moscow

  • 12 years ago
Monday marked the coldest day of the year in Russia with temperatures dropping well below zero.

In Moscow, for many it was business as usual.

But the cold snap that has already claimed more than 200 lives, presents a special challenge for the homeless -- many of whom are finding shelter where they can.

Some seek warmth in the stairwells of apartment buildings.

This has raised concerns from some residents.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) ANONYMOUS WOMAN FROM APARTMENT BLOCK, SAYING:

"You know, it was not me who invented this social problem. So you should talk to the head of state instead.. We also insulated our windows here, and it turned out that it became very comfortable for them here now."

The Moscow mayor's office organized a special 24-hour "Social Patrol." Social workers cruise the city in a mini van picking up homeless people and helping them find shelter.

A Moscow shelter provides a place to sleep and, more importantly, a place to stay warm.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) LUBLINO SOCIAL ADAPTATION CENTRE HEAD OF MEN'S DEPARTMENT, TATYANA VOLKOVA, SAYING:

"People who come to our center first of all get the roof over their heads, clean underwear, food, medical check. That's first of all."

The shelter is now accepting about 60 people a day.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) LUBLINO SOCIAL ADAPTATION CENTER HEAD OF MEN'S DEPARTMENT, TATYANA VOLKOVA, SAYING:

"People get admitted here in horrible condition. A lot of them suffered frostbite. A lot of them are people who have been on the streets for a long time."

Snowy winter is expected to last in Moscow until at least the end of March, though the extreme cold should subside soon.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters.

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