Homeless: "Many Are Afraid"

2020-04-03T13:10:20.981Z

At the moment, everyone should not leave their own four walls as well as possible. Barbara Starts from Caritas explains what opportunities there are for homeless and homeless people in the current situation.

Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen - It is best to stay at home at the moment in order to minimize the risk of infection with the corona virus. But what about people who have no home? Courier editor-in-chief Veronika Ahn-Tauchnitz spoke to Barbara Starts from Caritas Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen about the situation of the homeless and homeless.

Ms. Starkz, the recommendation is to stay at home if possible. This is hardly possible for homeless or homeless people. How do you deal with the situation?

Our clients are largely accommodated, in municipal emergency accommodations, in the hotel or in the Jakobus house. They are similar to people in apartments. Those who make a record - those who voluntarily want to sleep outdoors - withdraw from the public as much as possible. We are currently aware of two cases in Tölz. The situation is much more difficult in big cities like Munich. Some of our homeless clients are currently in clinics.

The situation is much more difficult in large cities

What is the situation in the accommodations, where space is often in short supply?

It is of course cramped in the accommodations and there are bound to be conflicts. On the other hand, there is social contact and support through shared accommodation. Of course, this is extremely unfavorable in times of "social distancing", but cannot be avoided.

How can the medical care of your clientele be guaranteed?

Medical care is provided by general practitioners, clinics and the on-call medical service. The general practitioners are trying very hard and we are getting more and more support. In the past, some of our clients could not find general practitioners on site and had to travel to other cities by public transport. In addition to the financial aspect, this is also difficult when you are in bad shape. We drove some of them to ensure medical care at all. This has now improved somewhat.

"It's about securing livelihood"

What help do your clients need above all?

Basically, it is now again and, as always, about securing a livelihood: a home, enough money for basic needs, meaningful employment, social contacts. With donations we can ensure the supply of food or medication, and the shopping service of the Bavarian Red Cross, Caritas and the city was set up. It is of great help to our sick clients. Otherwise we keep in touch with our clients by phone to replace the personal conversations a bit.

Is Corona a topic that concerns your clients at all?

Of course, Corona employs this group of people and hits them harder than people with a house, garden, freezer and financial reserves. Many are afraid, repress it as best they can. Unfortunately, this also increases the problems with alcohol consumption. Psychological problems are exacerbated. Loneliness increases. Or there may be administrative offenses with a view to the exit restrictions, because they still meet. A retreat, especially for people in shared accommodation such as the Jakobus house, would be an advantage. In addition to containing the contagion in the event of illness, residents could withdraw, find sleep or make personal phone calls. Unfortunately there is not enough space for this.