Word on the Street: Relocating the homeless

"The homeless people are a problem, and it is a question of whether the camp idea is the best solution. I heard the plan is to drive them to the camp by bus; I reckon they can get back to the city center very quickly. I don't think this is going to be a successful tool of how to solve the issue itself. I would much rather increase the roles of NGOs in the city center. I understand the current situation does not create a pleasant image of Prague."

David Holub, civil servant

"I live close to the main train station, and I remember that before its reconstruction the homeless people used to line up in front of the kiosks selling grilled chicken, and once they closed they waited for the oil that remained and drank it. I believe many people will go to this camp, but some will not. A spot under a bridge gives them a sense of freedom and privacy in a way, unlike a camp guarded by police."

Irena, pensioner

David Holub

Irena

Táňa

Jiří Seidl

Jan Raymond

Radka Bystřická

"Homeless people always have been and will be around. They like to have freedom and independence. I guess this camp idea is a good one. However, we will see how it goes. Look at France, for example; such a rich and advanced country, and yet look how they handle the problem with the Roma - they drive them out of the country mercilessly."

Táňa, lawyer

"I don't have a problem with homeless people. I think drug addicts pose a larger problem. One homeless person died in our gateway here on Štěpánská street. I know there are shelters like the Hermes boat and other places where they can go if it gets too cold. But I don't know if these are enough to provide shelter for all of them. I would say yes to the camp idea if they went there voluntarily. I know police cannot keep them there against their will. I have a much bigger problem with those young bums hanging about, surrounded always by a bunch of dogs. They are much scarier - a strange subculture indeed."

Jiří Seidl, bookseller

"There is a problem with the homeless, and no one has come up with a better solution than this camp idea. So, let's wait and see how it goes. Anyone can end up being homeless, but something has to be done. Homeless people do not care where they are and what they do really, so it is rather hard to meet their demands successfully."

Jan Raymond, businessman

"I guess we are doing pretty well compared with other countries in terms of dealing with the homeless. If this camp offers them some sort of security, I think they will go there by choice."

Radka Bystřická, flight attendant