Graz expands emergency beds ahead of winter

Caritas, the VinziWerke and the City of Graz have expanded emergency accommodation ahead of winter, saying more people may need help as living costs rise. The organisations presented their winter support measures on Thursday, ORF reported.

The VinziWerke have completely renovated the VinziNest and VinziSchutz emergency shelters, creating space for 65 men and 20 women. VinziWerke managing director Amrita Böker said the work, from basement to roof, was urgently needed and made possible through support from public authorities, the diocese, individuals and businesses.

Caritas has increased the number of emergency beds at its Arche 38 facility from 35 to 60. Caritas Styria director Nora Tödtling-Musenbichler said high rent and energy costs were hitting people in poverty particularly hard, leaving some unable to manage without the organisation’s services.

Graz Mayor Elke Kahr said homelessness services provide rapid, unbureaucratic help to people who have lost their homes. Caritas and the VinziWerke warned that possible cuts to social assistance could worsen the situation.