BOLZANO. The Mayor of Bolzano Renzo Caramaschi and the municipal councilor for social policies Juri Andriollo in consideration of the further sharp drop in temperatures and the number of people still spending the night outdoors, they announce that starting from the evening of tomorrow Friday 22 November, the service Cold Emergency promoted by the Municipality of Bolzano at the former Alimarket in via Gobetti it will be expanded with a further 20 beds, thus going from the current 95 to 115 beds available to the homeless.
As is known, this is the night-time reception service for homeless people set up by the capital municipality which runs alongside the day center in the same structure open all year round. Also this year the Municipality of Bolzano has activated an additional service to those already present in the municipal area called “Cold Emergency” since last November 1st for the 2024-2025 winter season. We started with 95 night shelter places available at the former Alimarket with management entrusted to the Red Cross. From tomorrow there will be 115 beds available.
Once the renovation and adaptation works of the former Inpdap building in via Pacinotti have been completed (by the end of the year) or the Province has handed over the renovated building to the Municipality, approximately 200 beds will be made available, therefore with an increase of over 100 seats compared to the current capacity of the Cold Emergency at the former Alimarket, which will be closed at the same time. The day center at the former Alimarket will remain open as usual with the various services offered.
What measures is Bolzano taking to ensure the well-being of its homeless population during winter months?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Juri Andriollo, Municipal Councillor for Social Policies, Bolzano
Editor: Good afternoon, Juri. Thank you for joining us today. With the winter months approaching, Bolzano is expanding its Cold Emergency service. Can you tell us what prompted this decision?
Andriollo: Good afternoon! Absolutely. As you know, temperatures have been dropping sharply recently, and we’ve noticed an increase in the number of individuals spending the night outdoors. Our priority is their safety and well-being, so we felt it was necessary to expand our services.
Editor: That’s commendable. How many beds are being added, and where will they be located?
Andriollo: We’re increasing the capacity by 20 beds, bringing the total to 115. This expansion will take place at the former Alimarket on Via Gobetti, where we already operate a nighttime reception service for the homeless. This facility works alongside our day center, which is open all year round.
Editor: It sounds like a well-thought-out initiative. What kind of support does the city provide in addition to bed space for the homeless?
Andriollo: Besides providing a place to sleep, we offer various forms of support, including access to basic hygiene facilities, warm meals, and counseling services during the day at our center. We also work closely with local NGOs and volunteers to ensure that we can meet the diverse needs of those we serve.
Editor: Mental health and rehabilitation are critical aspects of social policies. How does the municipality address these issues for the homeless population?
Andriollo: That’s an important point. We understand that homelessness is often linked to mental health challenges. Our day center offers access to social workers and mental health professionals who can assist individuals in need. Our goal is not just to provide immediate shelter but also to help individuals transition to more stable living conditions.
Editor: Given the current economic climate and the challenges many communities face regarding homelessness, how do you envision the future of social support in Bolzano?
Andriollo: We aim to adopt a proactive approach. Beyond emergency measures, we are looking into long-term solutions, such as affordable housing projects and employment initiatives to empower individuals. Our vision is to create a supportive community where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.
Editor: That’s an inspiring vision. As this initiative rolls out, how can the community get involved to support its implementation?
Andriollo: Community involvement is vital. We welcome volunteers to assist at the center, contribute donations, or help spread awareness about the services available. Every little effort counts and makes a significant difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness.
Editor: Thank you, Juri, for sharing such insightful information. It’s heartening to see Bolzano take concrete steps to support its most vulnerable citizens. We wish you and your team much success with this initiative.
Andriollo: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep the conversation going about homelessness, and I appreciate the platform you provide for these discussions.