Statement of Human Rights Center about homeless people in Gori

Lado Bitchashvili, Shida Kartli

Shida Kartli office of Human Rights Center made a special statement about the conditions of homeless people and addressed to Gori City Hall to timely resolve the problems related with the shelter for them because the situation of homeless people is particularly complicated in winter.

Eliza Kerdikhoshvili, lawyer of Human Rights Centre: “If the City Hall does not timely take measures and sets up several tents for homeless people, we might receive alarming result. According to our information the local authority is discussing the issue but the decision making process is prolonged for unclear reason. Human Rights Center calls on the Gori municipal government to resolve the problem timely."

According to Ekaterine Kutatelidze, head of social service at Gori City Hall, funds were allocated for the temporary shelter of homeless people but concrete place for tents were not selected yet. 

Ekaterine Kutateladze: “In Gori, about 15 people have to live in the street; about 15000 - 20000 lari was allocated from the budget for this people. The funds will cover expenses not only for tents, but also for food and heating of tents. At this stage, the local authority is discussing the issue and tents will be set up by mid-December.” 

Last year, 15 000 Lari was allocated from the local budget to set up tents for homeless people in Gori. The sum included expenses for hot lunch and heating. The International Committee of the Red Cross and Ministry of Defense assisted the Gori municipality in it. The Fifth Brigade gave four tents and beds to the Gori district authority for temporary use.