With a lot of heart and very uncomplicated: On Saturday, the "StreetOps" group showed how ineffectively the homeless and needy can be helped without any great organization - with a distribution campaign on the Stachus.
The wind whistles icy over the Stachus.
Again and again he tears at the small pavilion that is opposite the Karlstor on this Saturday afternoon.
Four men and women wrapped in yellow safety vests have set up a warehouse underneath.
Clothing, food, blankets... They are helpers from the StreetOps organization.
With their goods they want to give the homeless a little warmth.
Jackets, sweaters, gloves, hats, but also shampoo, deodorant, canned food and chocolate: those in need can take all of this with them free of charge.
Particularly important: insulating mats, sleeping bags and blankets for those who now sleep outside in winter.
Nobody has to show an ID card or similar.
The StreetOps - this is an activist network that has existed since 2016 and consists of a few private individuals, mainly from Lower Bavaria.
They advertise online for donations in kind, pick them up directly and distribute them.
Their goal: Overcoming barriers, strengthening cohesion and humanity.
Around 100 people come to the Stachus this afternoon.
They are obviously grateful and happy.
Andreas Barber (33), who is part of the organization team, says: "On the one hand it's nice to be able to help, on the other hand it's sad that something like this is necessary at all." to come to them.
"Most are ashamed and only come when absolutely necessary."
Particularly striking on this winter's day: a lot of people from Munich are interested and want to help!
People regularly stop and ask questions.
Some bring donations in kind.
Like Reinhard N. and Susanne L. (both 54) from Munich: "We think that's a great idea.
You see again and again that people live on the streets.”
Material help is not enough, says Barber: “People are also happy when they have someone to talk to, even if only for a short time.
You don’t just die from the cold, you also die from loneliness.”
On March 26th there will be another StreetOps action at the Stachus.
If you want to donate things (not money) and maybe know a storage room for the helpers in Munich: Please write to StreetOpsAktivismus@yahoo.com.
The icy storm failed to blow down the pavilion on Saturday.
And some Munich residents have to freeze a little less.
Marie Theres Wandinger