Hungary Allocates HUF 16 Billion for Winter Homeless Care

BUDAPEST: Hungary is allocating approximately HUF 16 billion from the central budget to address homeless care needs this winter, with half of the funds directed to Budapest, where the number of homeless people is most concentrated. The allocation is part of a broader strategy involving local governments, the ambulance service, police, civic guard associations, and homeless care providers to ensure resources and support are in place as temperatures drop.

According to KDNP, Attila Flöp, a state secretary, emphasized that homeless care is a local government responsibility, although the national government provides the financial resources necessary for its execution. Local governments work in tandem with civil organizations and church groups to deliver these services. Flöp further announced an additional distribution of 252 million forints in the coming weeks, sourced from a recently concluded tender, to support health care, independent housing, and staff training within homeless care organizations.

Flöp report
ed that Hungary currently offers nearly 20,000 places for homeless individuals, which include day care, residential care, and night crisis accommodations. Of the 5,648 night crisis spots available nationwide, approximately 33 percent remain open. With additional places set to become available from November 1, Flöp assured that there should be sufficient capacity to meet the needs of the homeless population during the winter months.