site.btaSofia Municipality Provides Daily Hot Meals and Support to Homeless During Winter

The Sofia Municipality provides hot meals and drinks to people experiencing homelessness every weekday as part of its winter measures to protect the most vulnerable, Deputy Mayor for Social Activities and Integration of People with Disabilities Nadezhda Bacheva told BTA. The initiative runs from December 16 to March 31 in partnership with the Bulgarian Orthodox Church – St Paraskeva Church – and various social organisations. Its aim is not only to provide basic support but also to build trust with those who need help the most.

Life on the street is complex

“Life without a home is not a uniform problem and cannot be solved with a single approach,” Bacheva said. Some people have lost their homes due to family conflicts or fraud, while others struggle with serious illnesses, addictions, or mental health issues.

She noted that not all homeless people are willing to accept shelter or social services, even when available. “This is a hard truth, but it cannot be an excuse for inaction. The Municipality’s role is to be present where the risk to life is greatest, especially in winter,” Bacheva explained.

Where and who receives support

Distribution takes place at St Paraskeva Church. Each day, around 110 people receive a sandwich and a hot drink. This coverage is based on a specific assessment of needs and the ability to provide support every day without interruption. “It was important to me that this not be a campaign measure, but a stable form of support that people can rely on,” Bacheva said.

Predictability matters

For people living on the street, predictability is key. Regular distribution provides stable, basic support that creates a sense of security in an otherwise uncertain life. The programme is organised so that people can expect help every weekday. For those who spend their days outdoors, this predictability is a small but meaningful sign of safety, Bacheva noted.

Partners and sustainability

The Municipality works with the Bulgarian Food Bank, Caritas, the Bulgarian Red Cross and volunteers. The Municipality ensures coordination and responsibility, while partners provide expertise and resources. This enables the initiative to be sustainable and part of a broader package of social policies.

On the ground with a mobile team

By order of Mayor Vassil Terziev, a mobile team conducts daily rounds across the city, Bacheva explained. Social workers speak with people, assess their situation, and aim to build trust – the first step toward long-term support.

Citizens can report people in need by calling +359 889 301 054 (24/7), +359 2 803 59 25 (Directorate “Social Services”), or 112 in emergencies. “Timely reporting often prevents serious consequences,” Bacheva said.

Social workers – the heart of the initiative

Social workers operate under difficult conditions, often beyond standard working hours. They assist with medical care, identity documents, psychological support, guidance to social services, and employment opportunities. Their work requires persistence, professionalism, and respect for each individual’s choices, Bacheva noted.

From sandwich to shelter

Providing meals often serves as the first point of contact. When a person expresses readiness, the Municipality guides them to temporary accommodation centres, where they receive shelter and support from a team of specialists tailored to their specific situation.