A look behind the scenes: Cologne city guide reveals homelessness!

A look behind the scenes: Cologne city guide reveals homelessness!

The weather in Cologne could be better as it rains gently in the early evening. But this doesn't stop the participants from arriving at the Thalia House at 5:30 p.m. to take part in a very special city tour. This tour, offered by Markus, is no ordinary exploration tour of the Rhine metropolis. Rather, it's about getting to know the reality of life for homeless people and drug addicts better. WDR reports that Markus himself was once homeless and lived on the streets for over 20 years.

Markus experienced great pressure from his parents' home and living in a children's home at a young age. His path into the drug world began with hashish and quickly led to heroin. About ten years ago, when his life was at its lowest point, he met a woman who helped him turn his fortunes around. Since then, he has been organizing these city tours in collaboration with the “Köln.Trash” association to raise awareness of the problems and challenges faced by homeless people.

Insight into the reality of life

The tour takes participants to prominent places that are important to Markus: his last place to sleep and places where drugs are consumed. In this way he reports on the increasing cases of open drug use in Cologne, especially on Neumarkt. It is an urgent appeal to the participants that most people do not live in this situation voluntarily and that a direct conversation with the homeless can often have more effect than any monetary support.

The participants are a diverse group, including Corinna Goos, who signed up for the tour specifically to find out more about the living conditions of the homeless. Markus repeatedly emphasizes how important it is to seek contact and thereby promote understanding. Its goal is to reduce antipathy and increase exchange between society and those affected.

A special commitment

Markus’ commitment goes beyond the city tours. With his initiative, he wants to help ensure that people are not just perceived as homeless or drug addicts, but as individuals with a story. This is particularly remarkable as it represents a direct challenge to the often prevailing prejudices. WDR informed that the tours have now been taking place for nine months and are attracting more and more interest.

In a city that often suffers from the pressure of social issues, it is important that these conversations take place. Markus gives participants the opportunity to become active and help. His call is clear: it is not just about giving alms, but about creating a human connection.