The Thürnlhof estate in Vienna-Simmering has more residents than tenants: no matter how often you tidy it up, homeless people always set up camp under the parking spaces. Wiener Wohnen is aware of the problem, but cannot fundamentally change anything due to the structural circumstances.
Mattresses, blankets, pillows, leftovers, everyday items and even cuddly toys: homeless people have taken up residence under a parking deck in the Thürnlhof settlement in Simmering, one of the largest community housing complexes in Vienna with a total of around 6,800 inhabitants – and are demanding the space for themselves note: Wiener Wohnen keeps having the camp removed, and the homeless keep coming back.
Barriers required
Wiener Wohnen had the makeshift bed storage removed in the summer, then again in September and most recently on November 5. A week later everything looked the same as before the eviction. The tenants in the community building try to keep their distance and a number of homeless people also have dogs with them. Wolfgang Kieslich, member of the state parliament from Simmering, has taken up the issue. He calls for structural measures – such as those already installed in the residential complex across the street.
The rapid construction in the 1960s takes revenge
Wiener Wohnen is aware of the desire for barriers, but according to its own statement cannot fulfill it: the settlement was one of the first of the quickly erected prefabricated buildings in the city – a legacy with structural problems to this day. In this specific case, the building police have prohibited the fencing off of the site, because the substructure of the parking deck must remain visible for inspections at all times. Wiener Wohnen thinks that partial coverage would make the place even more attractive as a place to sleep.
“Always call the police without exception”
What has apparently not been sufficiently communicated to residents so far: Due to the problem, Wiener Wohnen says it is “in close contact with the Grätzel police to increase pressure through increased presence and checks by the executive.” asked to come to the police. In the cases described, “without exception, inform the police again and again.” They are also in contact with charitable institutions and are therefore best able to initiate the necessary steps.
So far, the homeless apparently have not wanted to take advantage of the city’s offer of emergency shelters and other accommodation. Wiener Wohnen also hopes that the falling temperatures will convince people that they are better off there – and that the residents of the Thürnlhof estate can once again move around their community housing complex without discomfort.
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.
