Fire in the Erfurt slaughterhouse: Homeless people urgently need help!

Fire in the Erfurt slaughterhouse: Homeless people urgently need help!

Erfurt, Deutschland - A devastating fire raged on June 17 in the old slaughterhouse of Erfurt and kept the fire brigade in suspense for 24 hours. The fire quickly hit itself, a black column of smoke was visible for miles and the building was finally completely destroyed. The dramatic consequences not only affect the historical building, but above all the 40 homeless people who had found shelter there for years. The city of Erfurt is now looking into the future and is planning a new building that should include a market hall and even a school campus by 2029 at the latest. Unfortunately, the fire remains a painful reality for those affected, since their last belongings were lost in the flames, such as thueringeningen24.de.

In this difficult time, Caritas calls for solidarity and asks the citizens for donations. Sleeping bags, clothing and other needs are sought to help the homeless person who has lost everything. Caritas director Philipp Nitsche emphasizes the enormous loss that the homeless people suffered, and at the same time thanks the donors for their support. "The cohesion in the Erfurt population is great in this difficult time," continued Nitsche. Caritas has already provided an emergency accommodation and offers warm meals, shelters and social advice in the Caritan meeting in the government street 365 days a year, where up to 100 people can find help in need. Information on this and how to support can be found on caritas-bistum-erfurt.de.

Transitional solutions for those affected

The city administration is aware of the precarious situation of the homeless and has already initiated temporary solutions. A lawn area is provided within a running width of the destroyed area, on which mobile toilets and possible tents are to be set up. It is emphasized that for the time being there are no immediate help measures after the fire, but discussions with the affected and suitable actors are already running to support. The need for help and support is high.

It is important to note that homelessness is not just a local problem. According to the Diakonie, there are around 800 offers for homeless people all over Germany that range from emergency accommodation to social advice. The causes of homelessness are diverse: from rent debts to critical life events to economic hardship.

a common goal

The goal is clear: the elimination of the homelessness and homelessness until 2030. This is supported by the national action plan against homelessness, which the Diakonie and many other social services drive forward. With specific offers and intensive cooperation of all actors, an attempt is made not only to provide short -term help, but also to find long -term solutions.

Homeless people are entitled to social benefits, and the municipalities are legally obliged to provide help, even without being responsible for social service. In Erfurt, everyone involved is faced with the challenge of developing both short -term and sustainable solutions in order to give people in need a roof over their heads and exclude that social isolation and health problems are further exacerbated.

It remains to be hoped that not only an emergency from the tragic situation of the fire, but also an opportunity to raise awareness of the topic of homelessness and take concrete steps towards a better life for everyone.