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Title: Helping Bremen's Homeless: Moritz Cavigelli's Advice
In the heart of Bremen, aggressive begging remains a persistent issue, despite the city's efforts to crack down on it. But how can we truly help those in need? Moritz Cavigelli, spokesperson for Inner Mission Bremen, offers some insightful advice.
The city has been battling aggressive begging for a year now, with little success as reported by our website. Many residents wish to assist, but are unsure of the best approach. Cavigelli suggests a simple yet effective solution: ask the person directly what they need.
Personalized Assistance Is Key
Cavigelli believes that each individual knows best what they require for their situation. Offering money is a personal decision, but he strongly discourages unsolicited food or drink. Not every beggar may appreciate another cup of coffee, even if it's offered with good intentions.
In cases of aggressive behavior, Cavigelli advises keeping a safe distance and contacting the authorities if necessary. Remaining aware of one's surroundings is crucial when interacting with strangers, especially in such situations. Social workers are not law enforcement officers and should not be expected to handle such encounters.
Charities: A Sustainable Solution
Supporting charities, however, is a wonderful way to help. Giving money provides beggars with the freedom to decide how their resources are used, offering a sense of dignity in difficult times. Material donations can be useful too, but only when explicitly requested.
Curious about the larger picture? The Caritas recommends focusing on long-term solutions and providing holistic support. This includes social and emotional support, access to services, and opportunities for housing and employment. Furthermore, raising awareness and advocating for policies that address the root causes of homelessness, such as affordable housing shortages, is a vital part of the solution.
But remember, every situation is unique. The best way to assist may vary, so always approach each interaction with an open mind and genuine concern. That's the real way to make a difference in someone's life.
Insights:
- Inner Mission Bremen and Caritas focus on long-term solutions that offer holistic support to help homeless individuals in Bremen.
- Engaging with homeless individuals and showing empathy can help address the social isolation they often face.
- Helping homeless people connect with healthcare, mental health services, addiction counseling, and housing programs is vital for sustainable improvement in their lives.
- Encouraging and assisting homeless people to develop skills and re-enter the job market provides a pathway out of homelessness.
- Raising public awareness can help combat stigma against homelessness and advocate for policies that address root causes, such as affordable housing shortages.
- Aligning with Caritas’ social work principles, the best ways to help homeless individuals go beyond giving money or food by offering emotional support, facilitating access to services, enabling housing and employment opportunities, and advocating for systemic change.
- In supporting individuals in need, Moritz Cavigelli suggests giving money to homeless people as it allows them to decide how their resources are utilized, providing a sense of dignity during difficult times.
- Cavigelli and charities like Caritas emphasize long-term solutions, such as offering holistic support, access to services, housing opportunities, and employment, as they aim to address the root causes of homelessness and assist homeless individuals in Bremen on a sustainable level.
