Meet Attila. He's a gardener, diligently working and contributing to society in Germany. Yet, despite his job, finding an apartment within his budget remains an impossible dream. Attila is not alone; like him, thousands across Germany are employed but still forced to live on the streets, a stark illustration of an escalating housing crisis. He knows intimately what it takes to survive: "You need a thermal mat, blankets, a sleeping bag, and another blanket inside a bag. And always a wall near your head," he advises, "better if there's another wall next to you, so only one side is exposed."
Attila arrived in Germany seven years ago, fueled by the hope of building a better life. But the dizzying rents in major cities like Berlin have made that hope elusive for many. "I've wanted my own apartment for a long time," he shared, "how that will happen, I still don't know." Thankfully, a social worker stepped in, helping him secure a room in a homeless shelter. This provided a small, but significant, measure of relief. "I can finally sleep peacefully now," he expressed, "I won't be half-asleep worrying about protecting my belongings." Yet, like so many others trapped in this difficult situation, Attila clings to the hope that one day, he too will find a truly affordable place to call home.
