site.btaProtesters Demand Access to Free Public Bath, Toilet and Laundry Facilities for Rough Sleepers

Members and supporters of the For Hope Foundation gathered for a symbolic protest advocating for access to free public bath, toilet and laundry facilities for rough sleepers. The event took place near the mineral water fountains at Sofia's Central Baths on Sunday.

In support of homeless people, foundation members donned swimsuits, goggles, shower caps and bathrobes and danced under the slogan, "Hygiene is not a luxury, it's a right".

Speaking to BTA, Rositsa Kratunkova from the foundation explained that they are urging Sofia Municipality to allocate funds for a social centre which would provide access to hygiene, as well as to information, programmes, coffee and tea, and basic forms of socialization for people who are marginalized, have lost their homes and live in isolation.

Kratunkova also said that temporary homeless shelters are overcrowded, and many people have no access to them. "We are seeing an increase in the number of rough sleepers in Sofia," she added.

Participants in the protest carried signs with messages such as "Public bath, not a spa hotel" and "Launder clothes, not money."

This was the second protest after one held in October 2024.