From jet set life to emergency accommodation: Bernhard's dramatic case in Kiel

From jet set life to emergency accommodation: Bernhard's dramatic case in Kiel

Kiel, Deutschland - Bernhard S. led a life in luxury and glamor, equipped with expensive villas and yachts, handmade by the best -known designers like Karl Lagerfeld. Today, at the age of 70, this former furrier master landed in an accommodation for homeless men in Kiel. A dramatic fall from the top into social isolation - a fate that can meet everyone so quickly. After several serious illnesses, including a Parkinson's diagnosis, he lost his job and soon could no longer take care of his financial obligations.

His impressive career, which led him through the most dazzling areas in Europe, ended painfully. "I never had time to think about the future," he admits. With a broken back and a diagnosis that made his work impossible, Bernhard S. had to learn that chaos is often only removed for a moment. His savings declined within months, while the rented debts stormed. The forced evacuation of his apartment meant the loss of many personal treasures. "Everything I had - everything gone," he cries and shows the dark reality of homelessness.

from the residence to emergency accommodation

In an emergency accommodation, he now has to share the bathroom and kitchen with other men. The surroundings are often uncomfortable - everything is included from the police -picked roommates to chaotic food situations. But everything is not lost: the Kiel city mission offers him structural support. Bernhard has received a supervisor, attended debt counseling and is now on the way to private bankruptcy. With a monthly pension of 828 euros and a residential authorization certificate, he will soon be facing the opportunity to get a new apartment. "If everything goes well, I can move at the end of the year," he says hopefully.

The findings come late, but they are important: "I should have gained help earlier". Now Bernhard is optimistic about the future - with the dream of returning to the job and planning for the future. His story is an urgent appeal for the fact that the turn is a narrow burr that can meet everyone at any time.