Great hope: Caritas starts 75th house collection in Amstetten!

Great hope: Caritas starts 75th house collection in Amstetten!

In Amstetten, the largest solidarity campaign by Caritas is imminent, which runs under the motto "Because every donation gives hope". This initiative aims to collect support for people in emergencies. Currently, the Caritas collectors are on the road from house to house to obtain donations that are urgently needed in crisis situations, especially for Lower Austrians. With this campaign, the 75th house collection in the parishes Amstetten-St. Stephan and St. Marien heralded, which was solemnly opened with a joint service. Pastor Peter Bösendorfer blessed the blessings for households and wished that many "open doors and hearts" were waiting for the collectors.

Christian Köstler from Caritas informed those present about the use of the donations. Among other things, these benefit the victims of the flood in September, which has hit numerous households hard. The funds are also used for the social counseling center in Amstetten, which is a central point of contact for people in financial and social emergencies in the Mostviertel. In addition, the competence center dementia and the mobile hospice service benefit from the campaign. Part of the donations collected is also used by the Amstettner parishes for emergency aid on site to be able to provide help promptly.

The effects of the flood

The flood disaster has hit many people in the region hard. Mario Maier from Ferschnitz describes how it feels when the water is more than a meter high in the apartment: "indescribable". The couple, who had bought a house and lovingly renovated last year, had done everything to realize their dream. But now the facility has been destroyed, the garden fence is torn away and the breeding fish is lost. Their only remaining garden house has withstand the floods, while they themselves have to live in this shelter.

The Preitfellner family from Senftenegg experienced the submissive effects of the flood when they were trapped by water in their residential and farm building on July 18. All rooms in the basement are destroyed and their newly built kitchen is almost completely lost. However, the local population is solidarity and helps where it can, although many are affected.

support from Caritas

The Caritas of the Diocese of St. Pölten offers immediate aid in this emergency, the families concerned in the form of 150 euros per adult and 100 euros per child. Members of the parish caritas have already brought this immediate aid to the affected households. After the damage by the municipalities and the state of Lower Austria, the families have the opportunity to request further support from Caritas Social Welfare. This also applies in the event that your living space is affected. Further information on the help offers is accessible on the Caritas St. Pölten website.

In Vienna there is also support for floods. Caritas provides consulting services and helps, among other things, to apply at the state disaster fund or with questions about hardship regulation. Caritas social advice is particularly aimed at people with low income and offers a contact point for many concerns.

General Secretary Christoph Riedl emphasizes the immense importance of donations for help in this difficult time and thanks the helpers and collectors for their tireless efforts. Together they can bring the light of hope in the hearts of many people in need, and the Amstettner are called to open their doors and hearts.