Cold phone

Homeless people often prefer sleeping bags to heating

Even more homeless people retreat to Linz's bus station in winter than in summer - at least it's dry here.

(Bild: Einöder Horst/Horst Einöder/Flashpictures)

Father Frost is here. But not every Upper Austrian can or wants to retreat into warm four walls. People report homeless people to the cold telephone - but not everyone wants help. 

It is estimated that around 1000 Upper Austrians are affected, and there are said to be 400 homeless people in Linz. "We know most of the people who call us on the cold phone," says Christian Gaiseder from the social association B37, whose staff answer the phone.

Most of the people living on the street already know what we offer. We can't force anyone.

Christian Gaiseder, Sozialverein B37

One hundred reports per winter
Around 100 reports come in on the phone during the winter season; this year there were around a dozen in November. "We follow up every tip," says street worker Dietmar Mayr. Almost everyone who is out and about in Linz has seen "Mr. P." - he is always with his lounger and two suitcases - or the praying woman who lives in the bus shelter near the music theater. They are often reported, but refuse accommodation. The bus terminal at the train station, the former Leiner building and some hotspots on the Danube and at Bindermichl are regularly visited by the helpers, but are also repeatedly reported.

There are hardly any deaths
At the beginning of the winter season, those who want to stay outside are equipped with warm clothes - a good sleeping bag is important. "We haven't had a death from freezing to death for years," say the helpers.

 
Cold phone [phone] Tues., Thurs., Fri. from 10 am to 12 noon.

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Krone-Kommentar

Wie beim Eisberg

They are visible, the homeless, whom we are often ashamed to give a wide berth. Some of us at least pick up the phone. Commendable.

(Bild: Krone KREATIV, Alexander Schwarzl, Markus Wenzel)

But it's like an iceberg. Only the tip is visible. Underneath, many are struggling not to be washed to the surface. It is up to those affected to actively seek help. And it is up to each of us to look and listen carefully to see whether our acquaintance, friend or relative is perhaps only keeping up appearances but is already caught up in a vortex that is pulling them down. Any of us can get caught up in one.