Qods County Night Shelter

Introduction

To provide treatment and reduce harm among individuals affected by substance use—whether narcotics or psychoactive drugs—licensed treatment and harm reduction centers across the country offer various services. One such initiative is the night shelter program.

Night shelters are facilities that operate within the framework of broader services accessible to the target population, though harm reduction is not their primary focus. In this context, “harm” refers to direct or indirect health consequences resulting from high-risk behaviors. “High-risk behaviors” include even a single instance of injecting drugs or engaging in unprotected sexual activity. Since such behaviors can contribute to the spread of HIV, the ultimate goal of harm reduction programs is to prevent HIV transmission by minimizing high-risk behaviors associated with substance use disorders.

 

Qods Night Shelter

The Simaye Sabz Rahayi Harm Reduction Institute’s night shelter, located in Qods City, receives over 30 visitors daily during the cold season—all of whom are individuals struggling with substance use. The center operates from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM and accepts patients continuously throughout the night.

 

Upon arrival, clients are required to hand over their personal clothing and belongings and change into the shelter’s standard uniform before entering the dormitory. Through coordinated efforts, residents are provided the opportunity to shower three times a week and wash their clothes using the shelter’s washing machine. Bed linens, blankets, and pillowcases are also washed and replaced weekly using the center’s laundry facilities. Upon entry, clients are welcomed with a cup of tea. Dinner is served at 9:00 PM according to a varied meal plan and is kept warm until midnight to accommodate late arrivals. After dinner, clients are served tea as part of the evening hospitality. At 7:00 AM, they wake up and, after having breakfast, leave the shelter before 8:00 AM. If they wish, clients are referred to maintenance treatment centers or short-term residential facilities for addiction recovery.

 

At the Qods shelter, two individuals who have recovered from addiction now serve as peer support workers. Both have received proper training in harm reduction content. The center is consistently stocked with harm reduction supplies—including sterile syringes, needles, and dated, hygienic condoms—which are regularly distributed to individuals engaging in high-risk behaviors. HIV diagnostic kits are continuously available at the center. Through ongoing education, clients are encouraged to undergo periodic testing. Staff members are trained to provide counseling and appropriate referrals in the event of a positive test result. Clients periodically receive supportive services from the institute, including clothing, shoes, and other essentials.** A fully equipped first aid kit is always available at the center to provide necessary care to homeless individuals when needed—such as wound dressing, burn ointment, and other basic medical support.

 

This report is accompanied by a series of photographs. To provide treatment and reduce harm among individuals affected by substance use—whether narcotics or psychoactive drugs—licensed treatment and harm reduction centers across the country offer various services. One such initiative is the night shelter program. Night shelters are facilities embedded within broader service networks that reach the target population, although harm reduction is not their primary focus. In this context, “harm” refers to direct or indirect health consequences resulting from high-risk behaviors. These behaviors include even a single instance of injecting drugs or engaging in unprotected sexual activity.

 

*High-risk behaviors* refer to even a single instance of injecting drugs or engaging in sexual activity without using a condom. Since these behaviors can contribute to the spread of HIV, the ultimate goal of harm reduction programs is to prevent HIV transmission by reducing high-risk behaviors associated with substance use disorders.

 

The Simaye Sabz Rahayi Harm Reduction Institute’s night shelter, located in Qods City, receives over 30 visitors daily during the cold season. All of these individuals are affected by substance use. The center operates from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM and provides full-time admission and care throughout the night.