Villarrica reopens homeless shelter amid cold snap forecast

As temperatures are forecast to plummet, the Municipality of Villarrica has reactivated its temporary shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. The facility, situated in the Estación neighborhood on the grounds of the former railway, will operate throughout the cold spell, according to the Directorate of Social Welfare.

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We are looking to provide protection to the people most exposed to the inclemencies of the weather, guaranteeing them a safe place to spend the night.

Even Figueredo, head of the Social Welfare Directorate, stated the initiative aims to protect vulnerable people from harsh weather conditions, offering them a secure overnight location. The municipality is working closely with the National Police to locate and transport individuals sleeping on the streets to the shelter.

Figueredo explained that residents can alert the local police precinct when they see someone in need, and officers will arrange their transfer to the shelter. The refuge opens daily at 7:00 PM and is equipped with ten beds, blankets, and sheets, with capacity to expand if necessary. Those staying at the shelter receive dinner upon arrival and breakfast before departing the next morning. Facilities also include bathrooms for personal hygiene.

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When neighbors detect people in a situation of street homelessness, they can communicate with the corresponding jurisdictional police station, whose agents are responsible for transferring them to the shelter.

He also provided a direct contact number for the Social Welfare Directorate, 0975-361661, for citizens to report the location of homeless individuals. He urged the public to report any sightings promptly to authorities, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity in assisting those most exposed to the cold.

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Citizens can directly contact the Directorate of Social Welfare by calling 0975-361661 to report the location of people in a situation of street homelessness.