A sigh of relief in Innsbruck

Solution found for homeless Roma

(Bild: zVg)

It had to be done quickly - around 30 people would have been on the streets on Thursday if a solution hadn't been found in a flash. Now the formerly homeless Roma in Innsbruck can breathe a sigh of relief.

As reported, a hostel has to be demolished from one day to the next - several months earlier than expected. For around 30 people, this would have meant that they would have had to "live" on the street from Thursday.

30 people had to move out of this hostel(Bild: Christof Birbaumer)

Jussuf Windischer, chairman of the Vinzi hostel, pulled out all the stops to find a solution quickly. He also found support from Innsbruck's city politicians.

Once a week, the residents of the hostel came together to celebrate birthdays, commemorate the dead or discuss problems.(Bild: zVg)

Just in time! 
Speed was of the essence when it came to finding a solution for the 30 or so Roma who would have been on the streets from today, Thursday, if the response had not been so swift. Innsbruck was looking for accommodation - and quickly.

Talking brings people together, which makes me particularly happy.

Vizebürgermeister Georg Willi (Grüne)

The response was swift: Thanks to a tip-off from the public, a shelter in Mariahilf was mobilized to accommodate the 30 or so people as a stopover. In around ten to 20 days, they will then be able to move into a house in the Kranebitten district, which was also found by word of mouth.

The completely run-down house will then be cleared of rubbish and refurbished by the Roma - according to the city, sanitary facilities and electricity are currently being installed there.