Wege aus der Obdachlosigkiet

About 48,000 people are homeless in Germany—and there are also a large number of people without permanent housing. Life without a permanent residence is hard. Between 60% and 80% of those affected suffer from addiction and/or mental illness. The “Stadtbilddebatte” has focused on the issue of homelessness in a very pointed and simplified way; the causes and problems are complex. 
Andreas Sellner discusses the social tensions surrounding homelessness and the support services offered by the Church and Caritas, ranging from emergency assistance to measures that help those affected regain stability in their lives.

Andreas Sellner worked in Cologne’s homeless and housing assistance programs and subsequently served for 35 years as head of the Department for Assistance to Vulnerable Individuals at the Diocesan Caritas Association for the Archdiocese of Cologne. He served on numerous committees at the state and federal levels as a lobbyist, advocating on behalf of these individuals and support services for vulnerable people before policymakers, society, and the Church.