LINUS: On the road at home
Linus is constantly on the move. But he never gets anywhere. Linus no longer has a home to go to. He is homeless. A constant change of location structures his days. His daily route through the city is long. He always carries what little he has with him. The moments on the platform and on the train are important stops: to warm up, to sit down for a moment. In the dry. Always with his eyes 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 centre to the next. Breakfast at the Franziskustreff in the morning, then on to the next hot meal for lunch in the city. And then he survives the afternoon in a warm day centre. Being in company until night falls.
These are vital places to go in order to make it through another day. They are welcome here and can stay for a while. Especially when it's cold and wet. Especially at night. Then Linus sleeps in the B-level. A daily routine typical of many who have no home in Frankfurt.
"It's more like a fight for survival," he says, describing life on the street.
Linus had a home. That was not so long ago. He had a place where he found protection and privacy. He had people around him - friends, colleagues and family. Enjoyed going to work.
Until his life fell apart at the seams.
"I couldn't have imagined it, but that it would happen so quickly, this descent..." he says himself. How does something like that happen? He can't understand it and is still trying to figure it out himself.
Fewer possessions equals fewer obligations? Fewer worries?
That's an equation that doesn't work for people in need. Because Linus barely has the bare necessities. He can't carry any more anyway. But his worries are greater than ever: Linus no longer knows what to do with himself and his bags. He always has them with him. There is no safe place where he can leave them without worrying. Otherwise he'll lose the last few things too. So he wanders through the city. For more than a year now. That's when the trained and experienced telecommunications technician lost his home.
„The most important thing is that you have food to eat and drink. And sleep is of course very important. Without the aid centres in the city, it would hardly be possible.“LINUS
Linus, a human being. Without a flat.
As you can see every day, in Frankfurt am Main and elsewhere. These people are reported on from time to time. But here one of them reports himself. Shows the places where his life was still in order. Which he now experiences differently: closed to him.
"I just hope it won't be so frosty this year"
Linus is facing winter on the road. It's already raining cats and dogs. On the way, he tells us what's worrying him. An infection with a fever and cough is plaguing him. Being on the road all day in pain. No place to retreat. Few breaks. Not even when he's ill.
Life is hard
But Linus keeps going. Maintaining the routine. Structure that provides support. Keeping some control.
"The most important thing is that you have food to eat and drink. And sleep is of course very important. Without the support centres in the city, it would hardly be possible," says Linus.
Linus goes to the Franziskustreff every morning. He sits down at a table and eats his breakfast in peace. Warms himself up. For over a year now. Because that's when he lost his home. Instead of his own kitchen, his day now starts in the breakfast room next to the Church Liebfrauen.
After another restless night in the emergency accommodation, he recharges his batteries here. With steaming coffee, fresh bread and delicious cold cuts. A bit like home. Friendly staff ask about his wishes and how he is doing. Changing a few words with the others at the table. That feels good.
What's next for Linus?
He doesn't know. Not yet ... He comes to breakfast every day. He can accept this help at the moment.
Society needs to realise that places like the Franziskustreff are vital for homeless people like him. Linus therefore agrees to be accompanied for a while. And to tell what homelessness does to him. And so that people can see and understand it: Everyone needs a place in life. Even if it's only for half an hour ...
Breakfast is a start.
Trust grows with the reliability of our offer. And with it hope. The team at the Franziskustreff is there when help is needed. For Linus and the other up to 180 guests every day. Thanks to the support of donations, our social worker can also provide practical help in everyday life. Or accompany the guests on their individual path to a better life.
"Well, it's always bit by bit. Somehow it works. You just have to keep at it. Don't give up." Says Linus.
When asked whether he will stick with it, he replies resolutely: "Yes, definitely!"
You can support him. With a donation, you can keep the doors to the breakfast room and the social counselling service in the Franziskustreff open. www.franziskustreff.de/jetzt-spenden