Youssef's Journey and Current Situation
Ten years ago, Youssef (name changed) left his family behind in Morocco, embarking on a journey that would take him through multiple countries including Spain, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands. In 2020, he finally settled in Italy, and as of February 2026, he has been living in South Tyrol. Despite working in a hotel, he finds himself living on the streets, a stark contrast to the life he envisioned. "I always hope that something will change tomorrow, but nothing ever changes. I am tired," he expressed in an interview with the Italian newspaper, Corriere Alto Adige.
The Reality of Homelessness and Employment
Youssef is employed as a cleaner in a hotel located in the heart of Bolzano, where he holds a contract and a work permit, earning approximately 1000 Euros per month. However, this income is not sufficient to afford housing, forcing him to sleep on cardboard outside a supermarket. The burden of rent and the inability to save money to support his family back in Morocco weigh heavily on him. "I woke up at 7:30 AM, but I only managed to get three or four hours of sleep. It's not easy to fall asleep because I have so much on my mind," he shared with the newspaper.
According to a report by the BAG Wohnungslosenhilfe, 13 percent of individuals seeking assistance for homelessness in 2023 were employed. Notably, one in five homeless individuals without German citizenship had a job, as reported by Zeit. The reasons for losing housing can vary, ranging from rent or energy debts to conflicts in one's environment, separation from partners, or relocation. Susanne Hahmann from the BAG Wohnungslosenhilfe stated, "As long as there is insufficient affordable housing in Germany, effective measures against homelessness will not be possible." In 2024, over one million people in Germany experienced homelessness, with around 56,000 living on the streets. Approximately 840,000 were accommodated by cities and municipalities, and there were about 264,000 children and adolescents under the age of 18 who were homeless, primarily living with their parents or in institutional care.
As reported by focus.de.
