Shelters help homeless to keep warm in winter

Shelters across the city are stepping up street patrols to help homeless people during the current cold weather.

The intensified patrols are particularly directed toward homeless seniors with dementia, minors and those with medical conditions who may find it especially difficult to get through the winter, Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau said.

Police and urban management officials have stepped up patrols in scenic spots, commercial areas, around transportation hubs and areas under elevated roads.

Health authorities have ordered designated medical treatment institutions in the city to open green channels for homeless people in need.

Homeless people and beggars are provided with free meals and accommodation at shelters, which operate 24 hours a day, all year round. For those do not want to go to shelters, free hot water, instant noodles, and quilts are distributed by officials, with cards containing contact details of shelters attached.

“When the temperature is below zero, we increase patrols and work at 2am or 3am, the coldest time of the day, to ensure their safety,” said Ju Jiading, deputy director of Yangpu District shelter, during a patrol on Tuesday night.

“We bring them food, quilts and coats,“ he said.

A homeless man at his 40s from Anhui Province who was seen on the intersection of Zhengben Road and Zhongshan Road N2 received a quilt from shelter officials last night.

The Shanghai Shelter received about 14,000 people last year.

The shelters are using technologies such as face recognition to identify homeless people and beggars who get lost and help them return to their families.

Residents, particularly sanitation workers, bus drivers, cabbies and night security guards are encouraged to call 110, 962200 and 12319 if they notice homeless people who need help on the streets.