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30 years of helping the homeless: KAP in Fürstenfeldbruck is celebrating its anniversary
The KAP in Fürstenfeldbruck has been offering support and accommodation to homeless people for 30 years - a ray of hope in the crisis.
30 years of helping the homeless: KAP in Fürstenfeldbruck is celebrating its anniversary
In Fürstenfeldbruck, a city that is increasingly dealing with the challenges of homelessness, there has been an important anchor for those affected for 30 years: the KAP advice center and accommodation. Founded in 1995 by Caritas on Kapuzinerstrasse, the facility has established itself as an indispensable help for homeless people and not only offers a bed, but also a variety of support services.
The KAP has its origins in a former city homeless shelter and was able to equip itself well thanks to numerous donations. The Bundeswehr provided metal beds and cupboards, the Eichenau parish provided a kitchenette, while the Eichenau Kolping family helped with a couch and a regional bench with office furniture. Despite initial reservations from the neighborhood, who feared crime and disturbances of the peace, KAP leader Marlies Kolbe was able to dispel the residents' concerns through an open day.
Extensive support for the homeless
The valuable work of the KAP not only includes overnight accommodation, which was moved to new accommodation in Hasenheide with five rooms and eight beds in 2019. Here each accommodation has its own bathroom and there are laundry facilities. Good care is provided by a dedicated team, consisting of Lisa Weiss and two other social educators, who aim to enable the client to help themselves. Numerous volunteers also support the facility, for example in the tea and warming room or by cooking lunch for up to 30 visitors.
A fundamental concern of KAP is to promote the safety and well-being of residents. For this reason, there is a strict ban on alcohol and the accommodation is secured by constant supervision. The KAP's social pedagogical work goes beyond this: This also includes visits to hospitals and prisons as well as placement in more suitable facilities.
Challenges and outlook
As the numbers show, the need for such offers is great: In 2024, the KAP recorded a total of 1,395 overnight stays by 182 people, of which 40 clients found new accommodation or were able to be placed. The clients come from all age groups, including seniors and young adults. The rapid increase in homelessness, caused by rising rents and inadequate housing, represents a major challenge.
The KAP does not remain idle and continues to strive to expand its offerings. There is a desire for a permanent housekeeper to further improve the care provided to clients. A conversation between Lisa Weiss and a client who wishes to remain anonymous illustrates the challenges: During the Corona pandemic, he experienced that life without shelter was a “fight against windmills”. It shows how important it is to offer support even in times of crisis, which is particularly important in the week of action against poverty, which takes place from October 26th to 30th at the Caritas Center.
The KAP therefore remains an important contact point in the region, which not only offers shelter, but also treats those affected with respect. The commitment of the employees and volunteers shows: Helping people to help themselves is the key to a better future for homeless people in Fürstenfeldbruck. Further information and support options can be found on the website Mercury as well as the Caritas.