Alarming poverty in East Tyrol: Caritas lists record demand!

Alarming poverty in East Tyrol: Caritas lists record demand!

Lienz, Österreich - The social challenges in East Tyrol are increasing. Current figures from Caritas show that the poverty rate in Tyrol has increased from 108,000 to 111,000. With an increase in help seeking in the Caritas Social Advice in East Tyrol it becomes clear that the corona pandemy and the increasing housing costs Bring individuals into trouble.

A look at the advice center in Lienz shows that over 1,030 consultations were held last year. The majority of people seeking help are domestic women. Incredocratic, confidential and free help is offered here. Caritas develops individual solutions and provides various support offers to help those affected out of social hardship.

family help and tea room

Another offer of Caritas is the family aid, which is also very busy. With over 2,200 hours worked last year, the relief service was able to help many families in difficult life situations. With more than 710 missions, Caritas family helpers were available to offer support during critical phases.

In addition, the tea room in the Franciscan monastery of Lienz enjoyed great popularity. Last season from October to May, around 1,000 people used this offer, which offers a protected space for people in need. The tea room is operated in cooperation with the Franciscan monastery, and volunteers are still asked to expand the opening hours. If you are interested, you can find out more on the Caritas website or by phone.

voluntary commitment is celebrated

To say thank you and to pay the numerous volunteers in East Tyrol, the annual chocolate night took place in the East Tyrol Education House on June 5. Under the motto "Heart is Trumpf", inspired by Caritas director Elisabeth Rathgeb, there was a concert by the Hopfgartner siblings, followed by a culinary highlight-a chocolate fondue offered by students from the Lienz Agricultural Institute.

The chocolate night is a sign of gratitude for the volunteers who do important work in parishes, communities, fire brigades, choirs and many other areas. In view of the increasing demand from Caritas, which recorded an increase in social counseling by 61 % from 2019 to 2023, the commitment of this helping person is essential. Caritas lives from donations and voluntary commitment, all of which are used directly in Tyrol to support people in emergency situations.

poverty in Austria

The situation is worrying: Currently, 88,000 children and adolescents are very popular in Austria, which are more than twice as many as in 2022. Women in the pension and single parents are particularly affected, almost 41 % of whom are considered to be at risk of poverty in one-parents households. These developments show that traditional role models and access to childcare and labor market further tighten the poverty problem. Poverty not only leads to material bottlenecks, but also to social isolation, since leisure activities and social participation are mostly unaffordable Caritas Tirol reports.

It is clear that broad support is necessary in East Tyrol and beyond to effectively counter the challenges of increasing poverty. Through local initiatives, like that of Caritas, an attempt is made to make a difference and give hope.