The city of Riverside has opened a shelter for the homeless.

Rijeka has opened two temporary shelters for homeless individuals amid record high temperatures, as a red weather warning remained in effect across the city. On Tuesday, temperatures in Rijeka exceeded 39 degrees Celsius, prompting authorities to issue warnings about the risk of heatstroke, particularly for elderly residents and those with chronic illnesses. As part of its response, the city organized emergency shelter spaces to provide relief to people without permanent housing. The shelters are located at two different sites. One is the “Rosa Sancti Francisci” center, which previously hosted similar services during a previous heatwave in June. According to Milanka Grandić, the center’s manager, the facility was initially opened under the initiative of the city to accommodate individuals without a place to stay, offering them respite from the heat, meals, laundry facilities, and basic hygiene support. During the earlier heatwave, around seven to eight people used the service, though Grandić noted that the response was limited due to late media coverage. This time, however, information reached the public more quickly, resulting in the immediate arrival of two individuals seeking assistance. The “Rosa Sancti Francisci” shelter currently provides space for 12 men and two women. The female spots have been filled, while there are still seven available spots for men. Individuals can stay at the shelter throughout the day, from morning until 10 p.m., after which the building locks up and only regular users remain inside. The facility operates on a daily basis, ensuring continuous access to essential services during the ongoing heatwave. Another shelter, known as “Oaza,” run directly by the city, is also open to homeless individuals. While specific details about its capacity and operations were not provided, the availability of this second location underscores the city's efforts to expand support for vulnerable populations affected by extreme weather conditions. The decision to open these shelters reflects growing concerns over the impact of rising temperatures on urban populations, especially those lacking stable housing. Local officials have emphasized the importance of early intervention to prevent health risks associated with prolonged exposure to heat. Public awareness campaigns have played a key role in encouraging more people to seek help before conditions worsen. Residents and community workers have expressed appreciation for the city’s proactive approach. Some have noted that while the number of people using the shelters remains relatively low compared to past years, the presence of both locations offers greater flexibility and accessibility. Others, however, have raised questions about long-term solutions, suggesting that temporary measures alone may not be sufficient to address the broader challenges faced by the homeless population. As the heatwave continues, local authorities plan to monitor the situation closely and adjust their response accordingly. Additional resources may be allocated depending on the demand, and further outreach efforts could be launched to ensure maximum reach. The city has also encouraged residents to check on neighbors who may be at higher risk, reinforcing a sense of collective responsibility during times of environmental stress.