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More poverty in Tyrol: growing influx to Caritas

Immer mehr einkommensschwache Familien kommen wegen der Teuerung kaum noch über die Runden. Darunter leiden auch Kinder und Jugendliche.

(Bild: stock.adobe.com)

According to a state report, more than 100,000 Tyroleans are considered to be at risk of poverty. More and more are living on the edge of existence, as the latest Caritas figures document. Significantly more people seeking help knocked on the door last year. Horrendous housing costs are just one reason.

Tyrol's Caritas Director Elisabeth Rathgeb is concerned about current developments in the Caritas social counseling service, which is available in all regions. "We registered 50 percent more inquiries there last year. People come because they can no longer afford housing, heating and other basic needs," explains Rathgeb. 6,000 social counseling sessions were held last year. Further problems often become apparent during the conversation: "Many people - adults and children alike - feel enormous psychological pressure."

42,000 meals served in the warming room
Rathgeb refers to a poverty report by the state, according to which more than 100,000 Tyroleans are at risk of poverty. The effects can also be seen in the Caritas warming rooms. Last year, around 42,000 meals were served there, 22 percent more than in the previous year.

Many people - adults and children alike - feel enormous psychological pressure.

Elisabeth Rathgeb, Tirols Caritas-Direktorin

Home collection for domestic aid
Social counseling and help for the homeless are two of the institutions for which 1300 volunteers are collecting donations on behalf of Caritas throughout Tyrol in March. Innsbruck's Bishop Hermann Glettler thanks the helpers, "without whom Caritas' largest domestic collection would not be possible". The money goes to aid facilities in Tyrol, including learning cafés for children and family support. A portion remains in the respective parish. Last year, almost 580,000 euros were collected.