In some Dutch cities, the winter shelter opens as early as September 1. This means that some people without a home can finally find a place to spend the cold nights indoors again. But in many other places, the winter shelter doesn’t open until later, sometimes not even until December. All while nighttime temperatures are already dropping to around 8 degrees or colder.
Why winter shelter is so important
Winter shelter is literally a matter of life and death. It provides warmth, protection, and a bed for people who would otherwise have to sleep outside. For many, it is a temporary escape from the cold and a chance to find some rest. Yet access to shelter is unevenly distributed: depending on the city you are in, you may or may not have protection.
In some cities, people can already go inside, while elsewhere the winter shelter doesn’t start until October, November, or even December. In many places, capacity is also limited. As nights drop below 10 degrees, this means that a large group of people is still sleeping outside, with all the health risks that come with it.
Sheltersuits as protection when shelter is unavailable
Our products are not a replacement for a home or a shelter, but they do provide immediate protection when no other options exist. A Sheltersuit can mean the difference between hypothermia or warmth, between danger or a bit of safety. Especially during this period, when nights are getting colder but shelters are not yet accessible everywhere, Sheltersuits are indispensable.
Your support makes an immediate difference
With your support, we can continue making Sheltersuits and distributing them directly to the people who need them most right now. Together, we can ensure that no one has to be left unprotected during the cold nights that have already begun, and in the even colder months ahead. Will you help too?
