Too Old for the Streets

Mr Krüger spent most of his money for many years on alcohol and drugs. At first he could no longer pay his electricity bills, later he also fell behind with his rent and lost his flat. He slept in parks and sought shelter in shopping centres.

Now, at 50, the winters had become too harsh. He often spent them in hospital for detoxification or in prison for minor offences, simply to have a roof over his head. Through the German pension insurance system, a detoxification place in rural Brandenburg was arranged. To settle fines with the public prosecutor's office, he took up unpaid community work in forestry and horticulture.

The homelessness services first secured a place for him in a residential home. He was preparing to move into a therapeutic shared residence for recovering alcoholics, aiming to maintain sobriety in the long term.

Rehabilitation benefits were applied for via the German pension insurance, contacts with various hospitals were organised for detox stays, and applications for community work were filed with the public prosecutor. The social welfare office was asked to grant integration assistance, and the community mental health service received an application for case management and psychosocial support.

This network of housing, treatment, work, and social support gave him a realistic opportunity to build a life away from the streets.