Youssef's Struggle for a Better Life
Ten years ago, Youssef (name changed) made the difficult decision to leave his family in Morocco, embarking on a tumultuous journey that took him through Spain, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands. In 2020, he finally settled in Italy, and since February 2026, he has been living in South Tyrol. Despite securing employment at a hotel, Youssef finds himself facing the harsh reality of homelessness. "I always hope that something will change tomorrow, but nothing ever does. I am tired," he confided to the Italian newspaper "Corriere Alto Adige."
In his role at a hotel in the heart of Bolzano, Youssef is responsible for cleaning rooms, and he holds a contract along with a work permit, earning approximately 1,000 euros a month. However, he sleeps in front of a supermarket on cardboard, unable to afford rent or to save money to support his family back in Morocco. "I woke up at 7:30 AM, but I only managed to sleep for three or four hours. It’s hard to fall asleep because I have so much on my mind," he explained to the newspaper.
The Alarming Reality of Homelessness in Germany
A report from BAG Wohnungslosenhilfe reveals that 13 percent of individuals seeking assistance for homelessness in 2023 were employed. In fact, one in five homeless individuals without German nationality held a job, according to information from "Zeit." Various factors can lead to losing one’s home, including rental or utility debts, conflicts in one’s environment, separation, or relocation. Susanne Hahmann from BAG Wohnungslosenhilfe stated to "Zeit," "As long as there is not an adequate supply of affordable housing in Germany, effective measures to combat homelessness will remain elusive." In total, over one million people were reported homeless in Germany in 2024, with approximately 56,000 living on the streets without shelter. Around 840,000 individuals were accommodated by cities and municipalities. The BAG Wohnungslosenhilfe also highlighted that roughly 264,000 children and teenagers under 18 were homeless, most of whom lived with their parents or were placed in institutions.
As reported by focus.de.
