Return to life

“There is simply always someone there to help”

The mother-of-two has found accommodation in a starter apartment in Haus Elisabeth in St. Pölten.(Bild: Molnar Attila)

Andrea Kerschner has made it. Thanks to support from the Caritas mother and child home in St. Pölten, the mother of two is now back to living independently.

I grew up in a home myself. I won't find anything like this again," explains Andrea Kerschner. After a stopover at the Mother and Child Home (MUKI) in St. Pölten, the mother of two has found refuge with her two children in a Caritas starter apartment at Haus Elisabeth. The care home offers two such apartments, including partial care.

Mom Andrea Kerschner now lives in a Caritas starter apartment in St. Pölten.(Bild: Molnar Attila)

MUKI manager Petra Fischer in conversation with the "Krone".(Bild: Molnar Attila)

Attached to MUKI, single parents are given the best possible support and guidance on their path to an independent life. "We've been so well received here," says the 44-year-old in an interview with the "Krone". Kerschner enjoys the contact with the senior citizens. "The residents are happy about the visits from the children and often have cookies and chocolate ready." She herself enjoys the hours of conversation in the garden. If one of the residents gets lost, the "lodger" quickly takes them home again.

Docked on to the mother and child home
"The opportunity was created in 2014 because rooms became available," says Petra Fischer from Caritas St. Pölten. As long as time allows, the MUKI manager will continue to look after the children herself. She has put her heart and soul into it since the beginning. "You are an important reference person and confidante for the women and children," explains Fischer.

"We felt right at home here," says Kernschner, a mother of two, during a visit to Haus Elisabeth in St. Pölten for "Krone".(Bild: Molnar Attila)

(Bild: Molnar Attila)

(Bild: Molnar Attila)

The accommodation can be made available to people at risk of homelessness for a limited period of time. In Andrea Kerschner's case, this is an absolute stroke of luck for both sides. The mother is also hoping for support in September when she starts work again. "That's when the little one starts kindergarten," she says, looking forward to the future. "And when I'm old, I'll move into Haus Elisabeth myself," smiles Kerschner.