In Ulaanbaatar, coldest capital of the world an estimated 5.000 people are living on the street. Poverty, unemployment and lack of education is causing many social problems such as depression, alcohol abuse and domestic violence. Together with a lack of adequate social assistance many people overwhelmed by their problems lose hope and end up on the streets.

Most homeless people are alcohol addicted and live under extreme harsh conditions. Many are disillusioned and have little or no expectation they will be able to step out of the cycle of poverty and addiction. They experience social exclusion due to their appearance, smell and alcohol problems. To survive the harsh long winter, homeless people try to find sleeping places in apartment entrances and in manholes where the city’s hot water pipes are located.