With the dropping temperatures, a particularly difficult time begins for homeless people in Vienna. The association MUT is therefore starting its twelfth season of weekly aid tours on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. To provide people on the street with the essentials, well-preserved sleeping bags and sleeping mats are urgently needed.

Until April 2027, the association aims to visit homeless people in Vienna at least once a week as part of its so-called YWC! outings. During these visits, helpers distribute winter clothing, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, hygiene kits, and other urgently needed items.

There is currently a particularly high demand for sleeping bags and sleeping mats. They are part of the basic equipment for people who have to sleep outdoors even in the cold season.

„Especially now, it is important that people on the street have a good basic supply for the increasingly colder nights. A sleeping bag and a sleeping mat are essential for this,“ explains Jasna Saric, head of emergency and homeless aid at the association MUT.

The association therefore calls on the Viennese population to donate well-preserved sleeping bags and sleeping mats.

Those who wish to help can drop off the needed items directly at the association’s center of the association MUT. Prior registration is not necessary.

The most important information for donation drop-off:

In addition to sleeping bags and sleeping mats, the association needs further donations in kind for the winter months. They are primarily looking for clothing and equipment for men.

This includes thermal underwear, warm socks, waterproof winter shoes, thermal insoles, winter jackets, pants, sweaters, hoodies, and long-sleeved T-shirts. Thermos flasks, backpacks without metal reinforcement, and easily transportable blankets are also needed.

For winter jackets, the association asks to avoid models made of fur, leather, or wool. Bedspreads are also not needed.

The extent of the support is shown by the figures from the past winter season. According to the association MUT, numerous relief supplies were distributed during a total of 27 YWC! outings in the winter of 2025/2026.

These included 400 sleeping bags, 400 sleeping mats, and 450 hygiene bags. Additionally, homeless people received 50 backpacks and around 4000 kilograms of clothing, shoes, blankets, and similar donations in kind.

Hygiene items, instant soups, canned goods, and Christmas gifts were also distributed during the aid tours.

In addition to traditional donations in kind, the association MUT offers another way to support. With a so-called warm package sponsorship, people can support winter aid for homeless individuals.

Information about this is provided by the association on its website: .

The aid actions are not limited to Vienna. In Salzburg, the association is also on the move weekly after its premiere last winter to supply homeless people with necessary items.

The MUT Association was founded in 2005 and operates in Vienna and Salzburg. In addition to emergency and homeless assistance, its tasks also include supporting families, crisis shelters, and the rescue and distribution of food.

In Salzburg, the association also operates the House LebensMUT, which provides a home for up to eight people affected by homelessness.

According to the association, the work is mainly financed through donations and membership fees. The association has more than 35,000 members.

With the start of the new winter season on October 14, MUT continues its regular aid tours. Sleeping bags and sleeping mats can now be dropped off at the Vienna association center.

(VIENNA.AT)

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