The night cafés of Dresden's church communities have hosted around 3,550 guests over the past few months. "At the end of the season, it can be said that more and more people, not only homeless people but also people in need, took advantage of our offer - the Christian table fellowship with a shared dinner and conversation," said Gerd Grabowski, spokesperson for the Night Café Coordination Group, according to a statement from Diakonie.
The number of guests was therefore at its highest level since the coronavirus pandemic. Almost every evening, the night cafés reached their capacity limits with an average of 20 to 22 guests. "The increased proportion of women compared to previous years was particularly striking - perhaps an indication that the tight housing market situation is also making more women homeless," reports Daniela Feister from Diakonie Dresden. According to the information provided, the volunteers were also challenged by more addiction and mental illnesses among guests.
Offer as a supplement to homeless shelters
The season ended on March 31. Seven Dresden churches are involved in the project. During the winter months, a different church opens its doors to homeless people and those in need every night.
The night cafés serve as a supplement to the city's homeless shelters. In addition to a place to sleep, guests are given drinks, a hot meal and breakfast together. There is also the opportunity to take a shower and do laundry.
The first night café opened in 1995 on the initiative of students at the Protestant University of Social Work in Dresden. Since then, the city's Christian parishes have organized this offer across denominational boundaries in the winter months.
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