Hermes Boat in Prague Provides Shelter for Homeless Amid Housing Crisis
The Hermes boat in Prague has become a shelter for the city's homeless since its opening in February 2007. Jaromir Cervenka, a former homeless individual, now serves as the captain and maintenance worker of the boat, which can accommodate 160-180 people.
According to the OECD, approximately 104,818 people in the Czech Republic are homeless, making it the third worst-off among OECD countries. The Czech Statistical Office reported that 154,000 people, including 61,000 children, are affected by an acute housing crisis.
The Salvation Army estimates that between 30,000 and 70,000 Czechs are homeless. The boat, financed by Prague city hall, offers basic amenities and has been repurposed from transporting materials on the Elbe river.
A new housing support law passed in June 2024 aims to assist home seekers by September 2026. The Salvation Army has also launched a project allowing citizens to buy vouchers to help cover costs for the homeless.
