Bern's two new emergency night shelters, set to open for the winter season, will implement strict residency requirements. Only individuals with valid residency permits will be allowed to stay, a policy confirmed by cantonal authorities.
Key Takeaways
- New Bern night shelters require valid residency permits.
- Canton of Bern supports projects with 1.3 million Swiss francs.
- Foreign homeless individuals can only be admitted in life-threatening situations.
- Shelter operators find the policy impractical.
New Shelters Open with Restrictions
The city of Bern is expanding its emergency accommodation capacity with two additional night shelters this winter. These facilities aim to provide refuge for those without a stable home during the colder months. However, access will not be universal.
Research indicates that a cantonal directive restricts overnight stays to individuals holding a valid residency permit. This means that foreign homeless individuals without such documentation will generally be turned away.
Funding Details
The Canton of Bern is contributing 1.3 million Swiss francs to support these emergency shelter projects. This funding agreement includes the specific clause regarding residency requirements.
Canton Explains Policy Rationale
Cantonal authorities justify the policy by citing limited space. They argue that available beds must be reserved for those legally entitled to social support within the canton. This approach prioritizes residents with official status.
A spokesperson for the canton stated that only in life-threatening situations would foreign homeless individuals be admitted. This exception highlights the severe nature of the humanitarian concerns involved.
Operational Challenges for Shelter Staff
The new regulations pose significant challenges for organizations managing the shelters. The head of night shelters for the Salvation Army expressed concerns about the practicality of enforcing these rules.
"This is not practicable," the Salvation Army's head of night shelters stated. "We do not have a police function regarding foreign nationals."
This statement underscores the difficulty shelter staff face in verifying the residency status of individuals seeking help. Their primary mission is to provide immediate aid, not to conduct immigration checks.
Homelessness in Switzerland
While often less visible than in larger global cities, homelessness remains a significant issue in Switzerland. Factors contributing to homelessness include economic hardship, mental health challenges, and lack of affordable housing. Emergency shelters play a crucial role in providing immediate support and a safe place to sleep during adverse weather conditions.
Impact on Vulnerable Populations
The new policy could disproportionately affect already vulnerable populations. Homeless individuals without valid residency permits often face additional barriers to accessing support services, including healthcare and legal aid.
Aid organizations consistently advocate for unconditional access to emergency services, particularly when human lives are at stake. They argue that basic humanitarian assistance should not depend on legal status.
The Broader Debate on Social Support
This situation highlights a broader debate within social policy regarding access to public services. Governments must balance resource allocation with humanitarian obligations.
The Canton of Bern's decision reflects a prioritization of registered residents. However, the operational difficulties expressed by shelter providers suggest a disconnect between policy formulation and on-the-ground implementation.
Winter Season Urgency
The opening of additional night shelters is a direct response to the onset of winter. Cold temperatures present severe health risks for individuals sleeping rough, making access to warm, safe spaces critical.
Future Outlook
It remains to be seen how the new residency requirements will be enforced throughout the winter. Aid organizations may need to adapt their strategies to support those excluded from the official shelters.
Dialogue between cantonal authorities and humanitarian organizations will be crucial to address the practical challenges and ensure that no individual is left without essential protection during severe weather conditions.