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Rüdiger, a Long-Time Homeless "Hinz and Kunzt" Vendor, Finds Home in New Apartment
In a recent turn of events, Rüdiger, a 60-year-old vendor for the newspaper "Hinz and Kunzt," has secured his own apartment after years of homelessness. The new residence, part of the "Housing First" project in the Trinitatis Quarter, Altona, has offered him a much-needed sense of peace.
Every Friday, Rüdiger plans his meals, reminiscing about his time in a container shelter. Having saved a portion of Königsberger Klopse, he intends to cook them along with potatoes and peas in his new kitchen. The memory of the simple, often unhygienic kitchen in the shelter and the need to share it with three other men fills him with gratitude.
The "Housing First" project, an English term meaning "First a home," has played a significant role in Rüdiger's life. As a venture of the Evangelical Church, the Trinitatis Quarter boasts a newly constructed building with 26 apartments specifically designed for individuals like Rüdiger who struggle to find a home in Hamburg.
Rüdiger's story is one of hardship and resilience. An accident in 2007 left him wheelchair-bound, rendering him unable to work, subsequently causing him to lose both his job and his apartment in St. Pauli. He spent the next 12 years in a shelter in Stellingen, before an explosion destroyed the facility, forcing him into an emergency shelter for three months. For the next three years, he lived in a container that was not built for wheelchair-users.
Irina Mortoiu, a social worker at the "Hinz and Kunzt" office, played a crucial role in helping Rüdiger secure his new apartment. Recognizing his potential as a tenant, she spoke highly of him to the church, and continues to provide further support, such as assistance with applications. Rüdiger expresses his gratitude and notes the comfort of knowing he can call her whenever he needs.
Looking back, Rüdiger remembers his situation prior to moving into the Trinitatis Quarter. He recalls living in a small room in Bahrenfeld, sharing facilities with over 400 other people in a shelter run by "Fördern & Wohnen." Despite having his own room, he yearned for more independence and realized that many capable individuals also lived in such conditions due to a lack of housing options.
The cost of living in the shelter has been a source of concern, with the office paying 850 euros a month for Rüdiger's accommodation. The high price has raised questions about why the city does not invest in constructing real houses, which could provide a better living environment for the homeless.
In response, "Fördern & Wohnen" explains that there is limited space available for new buildings, making them expensive to construct. The war in Ukraine and the influx of refugees have added to the challenge, as more shelters are needed to accommodate the displaced population.
Even so, "Fördern & Wohnen" has recently begun building new apartments, with a project called "Living in the Future." This new building in Altona houses 107 new apartments, initially intended for the homeless. Over time, these apartments will transition into social housing units for individuals with lower incomes.
Rüdiger's apartment in the Trinitatis Quarter is 33.5 square meters and costs 377.42 euros a month, including utilities. The low cost is attributed to financial aid from a bank in Hamburg, favorable loans, and donations from a foundation, as well as the fact that the church already owned the property.
The contrast between Rüdiger's old and new living situations is striking. His first weeks in the new apartment were characterized by tranquility, a contrast to his unease in the shelter. Furnishing his new home has been relatively straightforward, as he found suitable items at a social thrift store. Then, there was only the matter of acquiring a proper bed, but Rüdiger views this as a minor issue, given the improved quality of his sleep.
In addition to the peace and comfort of his new home, Rüdiger enjoys visiting the café next door, which serves as a gathering place for neighbors. He has begun spending more time with his girlfriend, after years of addiction to heroin and reliance on Polamidon, a drug intended to help with drug addiction. They hope to gradually reduce their use of Polamidon over time.
New opportunities await Rüdiger, including potential vacation plans with his girlfriend and attendance at the opening festival for the Trinitatis Quarter on June 13th. The event promises a colorful program and a chance for residents and neighbors to come together.
Note: The Trinitatis Quarter is a partner of Diakonie Hamburg-West/Südholstein (Diakonie Hamburg-West/Südholstein - Instagram), an organization dedicated to providing support and services for vulnerable individuals, particularly the homeless and underprivileged.
Rüdiger plans to incorporate his new kitchen into his weekly lifestyle by cooking his favorite dish, Königsberger Klopse, reminiscing about the simpler times in his home-and-garden, albeit with shared and less hygienic conditions. The "Living in the Future" project, located in the same area as his new apartment, offers hope for more individuals like Rüdiger by gradually transitioning its apartments from temporary housing for the homeless to social housing units for those with lower incomes.
