The prolonged cold period affects all of us, so it is especially important to look after ourselves and one another, and to be familiar with the basic information that helps prevent problems and make winter days safer.
RED CODE IN BUDAPEST
From January 7, 2026, the Red Code is in effect due to persistently below-freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. During this period, spending extended time outdoors poses a life-threatening risk.
Help in the cold
On weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the Józsefváros Social Services and Child Welfare Center provides the opportunity to warm up in heated rooms at its senior clubs, in order to prevent situations that endanger life and physical safety, at the following addresses:
- 1081 Budapest, II. János Pál pápa tér 17.
- 1084 Budapest, Víg utca 18.
- 1082 Budapest, Baross utca 109.
- 1084 Budapest, Mátyás tér 4.
- 1089 Budapest, Delej utca 34.
On weekdays between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., and all day on public holidays, the Józsefváros Social Services and Child Welfare Centre offers accommodation in a heated facility at the Lélek House (1086 Budapest, Koszorú utca 4.) for district residents living on the street or in unheated apartments.
The Red Code remains in effect until further notice.
If you see a homeless person in need of help, please send an email immediately!
If you see a homeless person who needs help, is in a worrying situation, or is at risk of hypothermia, please send an email to diszpecser@menhely.hu.
If someone needs immediate assistance or you notice a serious emergency, call the emergency number 112 immediately.
The Dispatcher Service of the Menhely Foundation provides information 24 hours a day, every day of the week, about all services available to homeless people (such as meal options, accommodation, laundry facilities, available places, etc.). When necessary, the Dispatcher Service can also send a street social work team or a crisis vehicle to the location.
What should you include in the email?
In the email, please describe the following briefly and factually:
- Where the situation occurred (exact location, street, public area, known landmark)
- The person’s condition (e.g. lying down, confused, appears injured)
- When you saw the person (exact or approximate time)
- A description of the person (e.g. their gender, approximate age, clothing, or any other identifying features)
The colleagues of the Menhely Foundation receive many inquiries on a daily basis, so they may not be able to respond to your email immediately. Nevertheless, your report has been received and is being handled.
Let’s look out for older people and those living alone!
In extremely cold weather, it is especially important to look out for older people and those living alone, as the risk of hypothermia is not only present on the streets but can also occur in unheated or poorly heated homes. If you know of an elderly or isolated person who may be at risk of hypothermia for any reason, even in their own home, please ask for help.
If someone needs immediate assistance or you notice a serious danger, call the emergency number 112 right away.
In non-urgent but concerning situations, please call the Józsefváros Municipality’s free helpline: 06-80-277-256 (Monday: 08:00–18:00 | Tuesday: 08:00–16:00 | Wednesday: 08:00–16:30 | Thursday: 08:00–16:00 | Friday: 08:00–12:30)
No one has to survive the winter on the streets.
In Józsefváros, several night shelters, daytime warming centers, and temporary accommodations welcome people without housing during the winter. In addition, three community kitchens support those in the most difficult situations. More information here.
Use our daytime care services!
If you live in Józsefváros and are a pensioner or receive pension-type benefits due to health impairment (including benefits provided by NYUFIG) — or if you know someone in this situation — and you cannot heat your home, have difficulties with meals, or can only take care of yourself with assistance, please contact the daytime care institution closest to your place of residence with confidence. More information here.
Apply for a carbon monoxide detector from the Józsefváros Municipality!
During the heating season, protection against carbon monoxide is especially important. We therefore recommend applying for and using a carbon monoxide detector, particularly in homes where open-flame heating appliances operate. The detector provides early warning and helps prevent poisoning. More information here.
If the winter period causes financial difficulties, we help!
Contact the Józsefváros Municipality and use our support schemes if paying your bills causes problems or if you find yourself in a financial crisis. More information here.
Use the Budapest Utility Cost Support!
The Budapest Utility Cost Support helps reduce household utility expenses, such as district heating, water, sewage, waste collection, gas, and electricity bills. The support covers 12 months, can be renewed annually, and may be submitted at any time of the year. Tenants can also apply if they provide the required documentation. More information here.