Prague, Aug 14 (CTK) – The Hermes ship, which has offered beds to the homeless in Prague since February 2007 and is at anchor close to the Stefanik Bridge, underwent maintenance after the winter season and it will be again opened to those in need, the Social Services Centre has told CTK.
In addition to the necessary repairs, the surroundings of the ship have also been improved.
“After less than one month, the regular operation of the ship will be resumed,” Daniel Hodek, Prague city councillor for social affairs, said.
The ship offers 230 beds for overnight stays and the possibility of personal care.
The clients can acquire social and legal consultancy and also medical treatment where necessary.
“The clients must be at the age of majority, they must present personal documents and be sober. They pay 20 crowns per night,” Ludmila Tomesova, deputy director of the Social Services Centre Prague, said.
An estimated 4000 homeless people live in Prague. Most of them do not come from Prague, but from other regions and a small percentage from abroad, too.
Forty percent of the homeless have a permanent residence in Prague.
Hermes was built as a cargo ship in 1962. Ten years ago, the Prague City Hall had the ship rebuilt into an accommodation facility for the homeless.
($1=24.211 crowns)
