A night for more humanity

Life on the streets is particularly difficult during the cold season, especially at night. In order to bring people with a roof over their heads closer to the difficult living conditions of homeless people, SV Darmstadt 98 organised this special overnight stay campaign. This year, 50 fans and interested parties took part – an increase of 20 percent compared to the campaign’s premiere last year.

For loyal Lily fan Henri, taking part was a given. Three reasons in particular motivated him to protest again that evening: “You become aware again of what you often forget in everyday life, namely that there are people who are not doing so well.” It is also a real adventure, one night to spend in beautiful Bölle. But the most important thing is: you support a good cause. And of course I like to do that.”

Participants were able to register for a donation and received exciting insights and lectures at the event to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness. This year the donation will go to the MuKis facility, an accommodation for women and children. The event began with a welcome by Vice President Volker Harr, followed by a press conference by Darmstadt Mayor Barbara Akdeniz. Led by press spokesman Frank Hornef, Barbara Akdeniz, Birgit Koss, head of social administration, Sebastian Hofbauer from Horizont e.V. and Nicole Frölich from the regional Diakonie were also on the podium.

Prof. Dr. Christian Kolbe and David Lorenz from the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences gave special impressions of life on the street. An emotional highlight of the evening was the moving report of the former homeless man Patrick. Philip Höfer then introduced the street football club benefit e.V., which is committed to helping homeless people. Before the participants spent the night in the open air, the Lilienschänke provided a warming potato soup and a cozy atmosphere in the stadium lounge.

“Most homeless people are not dangerous. There’s no need to be afraid. They are normal people. You can just go there, talk to them and ask if they are hungry,” Patrick, who lived on the street for almost five years, explained to the listeners. He reported how often he had to endure contemptuous looks and insults without people really knowing him. Thanks to the help of Petra Bier, who volunteers and puts her heart and soul into helping the homeless, he managed to leave the streets behind him. Now he is in therapy and hopes to soon be able to lead a “normal” life – with an apartment, a job and maybe a girlfriend. „It doesn’t have to be perfect,“ says Patrick, „but a somewhat normal life.“

Mayor Akdeniz also appealed to the population: “We have a housing security office in Darmstadt. Anyone at risk of homelessness should contact them in good time. There are many options for help before homelessness occurs. Especially now, in the cold season, it is important to look and not look away.”