The 2022 edition of the annual report of the overnight shelter for homeless women in Leipzig is available. According to the report, the number of women staying there fell slightly last year but has risen sharply over the last ten years. More women no longer manage to live in the middle of society, according to a press release by the operator of the overnight shelter, the Advent-Wohlfahrtswerk e. V. (AWW) in Germany.
In 2022, 145 women used AWW, the overnight shelter for homeless women in Leipzig, a facility with 24 beds, at least once. Although there were eight fewer women than in 2021, the number of overnight stays had increased by about 77 percent over the ten-year period. Many women stayed only one night, others up to several months. On average, they stay 50 days a year. There are some women, however, who have been staying there for years, the AWW reported.
From all age groups and social classes
Homelessness affects women of all ages, with the 26-45 age group being the most represented. "The women come from all social classes, not only from Leipzig, but from all over Germany. Many are just passing through. About 15 percent of the women came from EU and third countries. A total of 16 nations were represented; about one in five has a migration background," the press release said.
38 percent of the women received a citizen's allowance, about 22 percent earned their living through income such as disability and old-age pensions or through gainful employment, and more than 40 percent had no regular income at all. This trend is increasing.
Multiple reasons for admission to the overnight shelter
Reasons for admission to the overnight shelter include an increase in termination of the flat without notice due to behaviour contrary to the tenancy agreement (from 8 percent to 19 percent in 2022). Separation from a partner or conflicts with family or friends and acquaintances, and subsequent expulsion from the flat (no entry of the woman concerned in the tenancy agreement), are also reasons for homelessness. Other reasons were longer inpatient hospital stays, no accommodation in specialised emergency shelters for drug addicts, release from prison, transients, temporary homelessness due to a house fire or water damage, loss of keys, and the like.
Almost 80 percent of the women also have health problems. "Many of them have behavioural problems or are mentally ill. Most of these women are neither in medical treatment nor do they have the necessary understanding of their illness and treatment. Addictions (alcohol and drugs) also play a role in about a quarter of the women. Disabilities or pregnancies play a rather minor role," the press release states.
Further support
Even though the provision of a clean and safe place to sleep, the possibility of getting some rest and the securing of a financial basis for life are top priority, the staff members also want to support the women on their way back to a self-determined life with gainful employment and their own flat. This also includes finding suitable support structures, therapies, or treatments.
The work in the overnight shelter is extremely challenging and emotionally stressful for the staff because the depressing individual fates leave a trace on anyone. For this reason, appropriate work structures and offers or measures of self-care are indispensable. In any case, AWW would like to express its full appreciation to all staff members for their service in the facility for women in need.
Advent-Wohlfahrtswerk e. V.
The Advent-Wohlfahrtswerk (AWW) is a non-profit organisation and, together with a number of social institutions and various subsidiaries, it forms the social welfare organisation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Germany. Last year, it celebrated its 125th anniversary. The AWW runs day care centres for children, homes for the elderly, addiction counselling centres, hospices, and other social institutions as well as local help groups.
To learn more about AWW, please go here.
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