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From salesman to homeless: Monika's fight for survival in Bremen
Monika Sturm has been living homeless in Bremen for four months. The article reports on their experiences, challenges and support offers.
From salesman to homeless: Monika's fight 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 find themselves in the pedestrian zone near Obernstrasse, where they ask passers-by for support every day. “It's not an easy time for us,” says Monika, who previously worked as a saleswoman. Markus, a trained chef, is also looking for a way back to a safe life. Both lost their apartment in the Verden district after there were problems with the landlord. Your 20-year-old daughter is currently doing better; she lives elsewhere with the support of the youth welfare office.
The road back to normality is rocky. Monika emphasizes that she grooms herself regularly and showers and does laundry at the Bremer Treff. Despite their homelessness, they refuse emergency shelters because they do not allow them to live together. “We have to assert ourselves on the streets and defend our place to beg,” she explains. Her belongings, which fit into a bicycle trailer, a large suitcase and a backpack, are her constant companions.
Challenges and hopes
With an income of often only 20 to 30 euros on a good day, which they earn through begging and collecting bottles, the two are on their own. They currently do not receive any government support because Monika does not have a valid ID card. But they have already made important contacts and know where they can find help in Bremen. “We learned to orient ourselves,” says Monika.
Monika is particularly worried about the cold of the coming winter. Their hope is to be able to move south by winter. “We want to calm down again and start a new life with work and an apartment,” she says. With a view to the imminent end of the Kiel Week, in which they recently took part to earn money by collecting bottles, the desire for change is strong.
Support offers in Bremen
The city of Bremen has launched various initiatives to help homeless people in this difficult situation. The “Zentrale Fachstelle Wohnen (ZFW)” offers support for those affected and arranges emergency accommodation. These are usually available for a maximum of three months. A total of 130 emergency accommodations are available in four facilities as well as additional places in Simplyhotels and guesthouses. Further information about the offers can be found on the website social.bremen.de.
The daytime meetings such as the “Café Parrot” and other facilities in Bremen, which offer homeless people a space to linger and make contact, are particularly important. Monika and Markus have also already found out about the various support offers and are trying to find their way back to a normal life. Despite all the challenges, their hope for a better future remains.
In Bremen, in addition to the usual emergency accommodation, there are also specific offers for women, men and people with special needs. If you are looking for more information, you can contact those responsible using the contact details provided or directly Services of the city of Bremen claim.