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Children help the homeless: heartfelt bags for Thanksgiving!
Find out how the Diakoniedonation in Cologne helps homeless people and what role children play in this.
Children help the homeless: heartfelt bags for Thanksgiving!
In the heart of Cologne it is clear that even the little ones have a big heart for the weakest in our society. The Diakoniehaus Salierring Regularly receives lovingly designed bags from the Evangelical Daycare Center Bayenthal/Marienburg for Thanksgiving. These little gifts are not only filled with creativity, but are important for people who are in need. The house's employees can bring joy and a little light into the often dark everyday lives of homeless people.
What does homelessness mean for children? They also experience the suffering of those affected first hand. The Diakonie donation from the Evangelical Church Association of Cologne and the Region, which will support the Diakoniehaus until the end of September 2026, is all about help and support. The aim is to expand the hospital apartment and renovate the bathroom in order to improve the living situation of the homeless people locally.
Alarming housing shortage in Germany
The situation of the homeless is not only worrying in Cologne. A current report from the Federal Working Group on Homeless Assistance makes it clear that families and young people in particular are affected by the housing shortage. Around 16 percent of clients with housing emergencies are under 25 years old. What's particularly shocking is that 13 percent of these young adults had already spent nights on the streets before seeking help.
The reports show that many homeless young people, around 50 percent, temporarily live with friends or acquaintances. Such arrangements are often unsafe and can involve dangerous conditions. The situation is exacerbated by the high number of female clients, as one in four clients and one in six clients under 25 are male. Couples and single parents with children also make up a worrying proportion of those seeking help.
Demands for better offers of help
Martin Kositza from BAG W warns urgently about the dramatic consequences that a lack of stable housing conditions can have for young people. These circumstances often lead to poverty and social exclusion. The BAG W is therefore calling for more low-threshold, youth-friendly advisory services and an increase in affordable housing in order to solve at least some of the pressing problems.
Thanksgiving and the fundraising events associated with it are a sign that help can be provided in many ways. It shows how important it is to look out for each other and care for the most vulnerable in our community, especially at a time when family problems and housing shortages are raging.
What is particularly noteworthy is that the Diakonia donation, supported by children's hands, creates a connection between the generations. This not only helps, but also raises awareness of the challenges of our time. In a world in which more and more people are finding themselves in need, it is crucial not to lose courage and to take action.