Current figures show that homelessness is an everyday occurrence in Tyrol. Women and children are also affected, just in a different way. State Councilor Eva Pawlata (SPÖ) has now put together a package of measures for them: their own emergency sleeping place, additional advice options including a ‘tea room’ and up to eight new places for assisted living. Almost half a million euros will be invested in this.
Not having a roof over your head, not having your own four walls, not being able to retreat to a private oasis of well-being – an idea that sends shivers down many people’s spines. Worryingly, for many Tyroleans this is exactly everyday life. In the winter of 2022/2023, 570 people spent approximately 84,000 nights in emergency shelter in Tyrol. Not everyone who wanted a place to sleep could be accepted. The number of unreported cases is therefore significantly higher, especially among women.
“The actual number cannot be recorded“
“For them, however, homelessness presents itself very differently. Domestic violence, single parenthood or insecure work relationships: there are many gender-specific reasons why women become homeless. The actual number cannot be determined and there is therefore hidden homelessness,” says State Councilor Pawlata. This means that the affected women do not live on the streets, but in secret. “In the best case they stay with friends or acquaintances, in the worst case they end up in a new abusive relationship. Or they remain stuck in the old relationship despite all the setbacks because there is simply no way out,” says the SPÖ regional councilor. Furthermore, these women are at high risk of physical and psychological violence.
Individuals wait up to eight months for space
Last year, around 300 women with 100 children alone gave the association “lilawohnt” as their residential address, because they did not have their own roof over their heads. The emergency room for women in Innsbruck (“NoRa”) accommodates 22 women in nine small garconnières. But the waiting list there is long. In the autumn of 2023, there were 60 women without children and 26 women with children. A spot can be used for a maximum of eight months. People on the waiting list can expect a wait of up to eight months.
The package of measures in detail
“Although the offer in Tyrol is wide, it needs to be expanded – that is exactly what I have done,” Pawlata announces. It was possible to put together a package of measures that will be implemented this year. And this is what it looks like in detail:
- The plan is to create its own year-round facility Emergency sleeping place for women with their children in Innsbruck with up to 30 places. “This emergency sleeping center should not compete with existing facilities, but rather serve as an accessible addition,” Pawlata explains. It is also not intended to explicitly address women affected by violence. Costs: approximately 300,000 euros.
- There will also be one more Consultation option for affected women. There will also be a ‘tea room’ here where those affected can stay during the day. There will also be lounge areas for children. Costs: approximately 100,000 euros.
- And a maximum of eight new places will appear Assisted living so that the affected women can stand on their own two feet again. Costs: approximately 100,000 euros.
“We are already intensively developing the tender”
“We are investing around half a million euros in total and are already intensively developing the tender. I am convinced that with this comprehensive package of measures we can take an important step towards improving the situation of women affected by homelessness,” said State Councilor Pawlata.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
