LINUS - On the go, at home
Linus is constantly on the move. But he never arrives anywhere. Linus no longer has a home to go to. He is homeless. This constant change of location structures his days. His daily route through the city is long. He carries with him what little he still owns. The moments on the platform and on the train are vital stops: to warm up, to sit down for a moment. To stay dry. Always keeping an eye on the doors, because he doesn't have a ticket. He doesn't want any trouble, but without money? And he can't physically manage to walk the whole way. So Linus goes from one aid organization to the next. In the morning, breakfast at the Franziskustreff. That's his first lifeline. Later in the day, he continues on to wherever in the city he can get a hot meal for lunch. And then he waits out the afternoon in a warm day center. To be in company until night falls.
These are vital places to get through another day. Here he is welcome, can stay a while. Especially when it's cold and wet. Especially at night. That's when Linus sleeps on the underground level. A typical daily routine for many who are homeless in Frankfurt.
Linus goes to the Franziskustreff every morning. He sits down at a table and eats breakfast in peace. He warms up properly. He's been doing this for over a year now. That's when he lost his home. Instead of his own kitchen, his day now begins in the breakfast room next to the Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady).
After another restless night in the emergency shelter, he recharges here. With steaming coffee, fresh bread, and delicious cold cuts. A bit like home. Friendly staff ask about his needs and how he's doing. Exchanging a few words with the others at the table feels good.
What's next for Linus?
He doesn't know. Not yet… Coming for breakfast every day: This is the kind of help he can accept right now.
There needs to be greater awareness in society that places like the Franziskustreff are vital for the survival of homeless people like him. Linus agrees to be accompanied for a while. And to share what homelessness does to him. So that it can be seen and understood: Everyone needs a place in life. Even if it's just for half an hour…
Breakfast is a start.
With the reliability of our services, trust grows. And with it, hope. The team at Franziskustreff is there when help is needed. For Linus and the other up to 180 guests daily. Thanks to the support of donations, our social worker can also provide practical help in everyday life. Or accompany guests on their individual paths to a better life.
"Well, it's always just a little bit at a time. So somehow it works out. You just have to keep at it. Don't give up." That's what Linus says.
When asked if he's going to keep at it, he answers resolutely: "Yes, definitely!"
You can support him.
With a donation, you keep the doors to the breakfast room and the social counseling service at Franziskustreff open.
www.franziskustreff.de/jetzt-spenden
You can read more about how you can directly help homeless people here:
www.franziskustreff.de/schutz-vor-kaelte
Video: www.noicrew.com
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Our channel offers inspiring pictures and videos of what real-life compassion can look like.
We show you how our effective support for the homeless works right in the heart of Frankfurt. Experience our culture of sharing.
Our breakfast meeting offers a hearty breakfast to homeless and impoverished people on weekdays. Those who wish can receive support from the social services office next door. If mental or psychiatric conditions further complicate their situation, affected guests can find help at the clinic for the homeless. Everything is funded entirely by donations. This is direct, person-to-person support.
Guests contribute €0.50 themselves. This is important to many so they don't feel like they're in need. It's also a sign of respect for the benefactors and the more than 60 volunteers whose gifts and dedication make this assistance possible.
We serve the guests at their tables and restore a measure of their dignity. We show them that despite poverty and homelessness, they don't need to despair.
Together with and thanks to the dedicated volunteers, the Franziskustreff supports its guests on their journey—ideally, back to a stable life.
Please help! www.franziskustreff.de/jetzt-spenden