Supporting Homeless Mothers and Their Children in Vienna: A Precious Endeavor
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Step into the vibrant, paper-garland-draped stairwell of the 15th district's Caritas-Mother-Child House Luise, a beacon of hope for 15 years, one of three such establishments by Caritas in Vienna, and ten across Austria.
Society scarcely addresses the issue of homeless women and their children, a problem too often shrouded in stigma, as emphasized by director Claudia Ferner-Unger during a Mother's Day press conference. Ostracized, these women fear losing their children when they ask for help. It results in many coming to House Luise late, nursing homes, questionable relationships, or homelessness throughout.
Inside the house, the focus shifts to restoring women's self-efficacy. Tired of hearing what they can't do, we aim to show them what they CAN, as Ferner-Unger shares. With up to 250 applications annually, the House serves as a crucial stepping stone for many.
Eleven years ago, E. walked through the doors. A challenging past marred her youth: no apprenticeship, no job, no home, and in the sixth month of pregnancy. A women's shelter directed her to House Luise, and she felt an immediate connection. Her then-infant daughter was born here. They stayed for two and a half years, and E. found her strength here, ensuring it never left her. Today mother and daughter cohabit in an apartment, their lives forever changed.
Numbers echo E.'s story. Since opening its doors, House Luise has helped 1,171 mothers and 1,529 children. Caritas director Klaus Schwertner explains these cases are not isolated, while excited cries of "Mamaaa!" echo from the stairwell. In Austria, approximately 276,000 women struggle with poverty, and 79,000 children grow up in such conditions. Over a third of all single-parent households are at risk of poverty.
Swertner's plea to the government, in light of pending cuts to social services: "The debt mountain must be reduced, but not at the expense of mothers and children struggling with poverty." E. has always stayed in touch with the House, knowing she can rely on it for guidance.
The 15-year-old House Luise is more than just numbers and stories; it's a testament to the resilience of women and their families. It's proof that, with the right support, they can rebuild their lives.
Flash of Insight: Austria's homeless population, particularly the younger demographic, often has spent their youth in hostels or foster homes. Despite adopting the Housing First approach, comprehensive national housing strategies are yet to materialize. Furthermore, unaccompanied children seeking protection face uncertain guardianship, potentially impacting their access to consistent support services. Across the EU, over 21% of the population faces the risk of poverty or social exclusion, with higher risks for women and households with dependent children. EU countries employ diverse strategies and monitoring frameworks to address homelessness, with no one-size-fits-all approach.
- The company, Caritas, operates three establishments like the Caritas-Mother-Child House Luise in Vienna, and ten across Austria, offering hope to homeless women and their children.
- Elevated in the 15th district, the tenement of Caritas-Mother-Child House Luise, a shelter for mothers and children, has stood as a beacon for 15 years, providing restorative care for self-efficacy and family health.
- In the pursuit of a health-and-wellness lifestyle, House Luise aims to encourage and support the mothers who receive their services, demonstrating the efficacy of their program and its positive impact on women's health and parenting.
- With a focus on home-and-garden development, Caritas hopes to equip these mothers with the skills and resources they need to create a stable living environment, fostering overall family success.
- Advocating on behalf of the families they serve, Caritas pleads for government support, warning against cuts to social services that could jeopardize the well-being and future prospects of mothers and children struggling with poverty.
- The mission of the House Luise extends beyond its walls, striving to enlighten society about the pressing issue of homeless women and their children and promote comprehensive national housing strategies to prevent such instances of hardship and ensure access to essential health and lifestyle services for all.
