Saving homeless people from hardship and death by cold
On Frankfurt's streets in the cold season: more than one hundred homeless people are sleeping rough. Both in the city centre and in the city districts. There is plenty of help available, such as simple overnight accommodation, breakfast options, winter cafés, street social work, counselling and medical care. But they are not able to accept them sufficiently. The reasons for this are complex. Just as human destinies can be complex. This is not the only reason why we need to take a closer look!
Helping to prevent the worst: Death by freezing to death.
Feel free to spread the word: The Franziskustreff is open from 7.45 am to 11.15 am, every weekday and on all Christian holidays. We offer a place to warm up. A hearty breakfast, lovingly served. And on request: social counselling for guests.
„The Franziskustreff is an important place to warm up - especially in winter.“Andy, guest at the Franziskustreff
Background: How we help.
Due to the crises that are currently challenging everyone, the situation of many homeless and poor people is particularly precarious. That is why it is particularly important for homeless people to be welcome, to be allowed to eat and to be able to stay. At the Franziskustreff, guests can find a moment of peace. And experience spatial and human warmth.
Every guest is served a hearty breakfast at their table. They contribute 50 cents to the breakfast. Order coffee or tea, sausage or cheese. And can receive social counselling. This personalised atmosphere is guaranteed by more than sixty volunteers. Together with the full-time team.
We also offer guests the opportunity to talk about their life situation and their search for solutions in our social counselling service. Sorting papers, making applications, finding the right place at the authorities. Here, guests receive information on places to stay overnight in Frankfurt, for example, or even sleeping bags if required. Our social worker has her office next to the Franziskustreff. Guests can easily get in touch with her. We are grateful for a good network with other social work organisations so that a new start is possible.
With the practice for homeless people in the immediate vicinity of the guest room and our co-operation partner Elisabeth-Straßenambulanz, we also offer basic medical care to homeless and poor guests.
To help homeless people find a warm and safe place to sleep during the cold season, we contribute financially to the winter overnight stay in the Tagestreff Bärenstraße. Up to 27 people can spend the night there. Guests are welcomed personally and can enjoy hot and cold drinks. They are also given a sleeping mat and a sleeping bag. They can take a shower and, if necessary, receive fresh clothes.
To make it easier for homeless people to return to a normal life, we also support them through "Housing First". The Franziskustreff Foundation has set up MainWeg gGmbh for this purpose: main-weg.net. It brings landlords and homeless people together. So that they can start afresh immediately with their own tenancy agreement. Because the first step is a secure home.
Your personal donation is in good hands with us. You are supporting a purely private initiative that is independent of the state and church. Together with us, you will highlight the value and dignity of homeless people. And enable them to believe in a new beginning.
Facing the cold: What you can do yourself.
Please always ask first whether and how you can help.
Many homeless people suffer from social isolation. A friendly conversation can help them feel more like they belong. But even a simple "hello" or a friendly nod signals to them: "I'm not invisible".
Approach me politely. At eye level and at a respectful distance. Perhaps ask what the person needs.
In emergencies, call the ambulance (112) or, if necessary, the cold bus: 069 43 14 14. This can save lives, especially in freezing weather. Or call the municipal hotline for social emergencies (7/24 h): 069 212 700 70.
The Franziskustreff is open from 7.45 am to 11.15 am. You can find further offers of help at: franziskustreff.de/hilfenffm
Support aid organisations such as the Franziskustreff with a donation or help out as a volunteer.