Caritas is fighting homelessness: winter aid urgently needed!

Caritas is fighting homelessness: winter aid urgently needed!

In the middle of the winter cold, Caritas calls up again to urgently needed donations for homeless people. Caritas director Klaus Schwertner emphasized in a care facility in Vienna-Mariahilf that life on the street was "double" in this cold season and that many homeless people suffered from stress and fear. Schwertner outlined alarming statistics: The increase in delogation in Vienna has been increasing since 2021, of which 2,339 were documented last year. Around 21,000 people in Austria are currently homeless or live in uncertain conditions. In order to counteract this emergency, Caritas has launched the "crypt winter package". For a donation of 70 euros, the needy will receive a winter -proof sleeping bag and seven warm meals.

political demands of Caritas

Caritas calls for a comprehensive national action plan for affordable living from the new federal government. Schwertner sees an urgent need for action and emphasizes that politicians have postponed the necessary reforms in tenancy law for too long. In addition, he puts the creation of cheap living space and the redesign of social assistance in the foreground. The 98 percent occupancy of the emergency quarters illustrates the urgency of the concern. This year, over 18,800 nights were offered for homeless people in the "crypt". Caritas is supported in its efforts by prominent personalities such as actor Karl Markovics, who also advertises for the winter package.

But not only the initiatives and recommendations of Schwertner are important: Alexander Bodmann, who has been Caritas director since February 2023, has extensive experience in the organization. He started his path in Caritas in 1997 and has since held a number of positions that underline his competence and commitment to homelessness.