From the seller to the homeless: Monika's struggle for survival in Bremen

From the seller to the homeless: Monika's struggle for survival in Bremen

In the middle of the city of Bremen, Monika Sturm and her partner Markus Friedrich live under difficult conditions. They have been homeless for four months and can be found in the pedestrian zone near Obernstrasse, where they ask passers -by for support every day. "It is not an easy time for us," says Monika, who previously worked as a seller. Markus, a trained cook, is also looking for a path back to a safe life. Both have lost their apartment in the Verden district after there were problems with the landlord. Her 20-year-old daughter is currently doing better; She lives somewhere else with the support of the youth welfare office.

The way back to normality is rocky. Monika emphasizes that she cares regularly and showered in the Bremen meeting and washes laundry. Despite their homelessness, they reject emergency accommodations because they do not allow them to be accommodated. "We have to assert ourselves on the street and defend our place to beg," she continues. Yours that fits in a bicycle trailer, a large case and a backpack is your constant companion.

challenges and hopes

With an income of often only 20 to 30 euros on good days, which they generate by begging and collecting bottles, the two are on their own. You currently do not receive government support because Monika has no valid ID card. But they have already made important contacts and know where to find help in Bremen. "We learned to orient ourselves," said Monika.

The cold of the coming winter is particularly concerned about Monika. Your hope is to be able to move to the south until winter. "We want to relax again and start a new life with work and apartment," she says. With a view to the early end of the Kiel Week, in which they recently took part in earning money by collecting bottles, the desire for change is strongly pronounced.

support offers in Bremen

The city of Bremen has put on various initiatives to help homeless people in this difficult situation. The “Central Fachricht Wohnen (ZFW)” offers support for those affected and provides emergency accommodations. These are usually available for a maximum of three months. A total of 130 emergency accommodation in four facilities as well as additional places in Simplyhotels and Pensions are available. Further information on the offers can be found on the website Sociales.bremen.de .

The day meetings such as the "Café Papagei" and other facilities in Bremen, which offer homeless people to linger and offer contact, are particularly important. Monika and Markus have already learned about the diverse support offers and are trying to find their way back to a normal life. Despite all the challenges, their hope remains for a better future.

in Bremen there are also specific offers for women, men and people with special needs. If you are looking for more information, you can contact the person responsible or directly the Services of Bremen