Caritas Luxembourg recently published a position paper on homelessness with a series of demands and proposals aimed at making the fight against homelessness in Luxembourg more efficient.
Among the most important demands is access to housing for the most vulnerable people in society. Caritas Luxembourg recalled that, for people who are living on the street, the chance of finding housing is very low. However, housing access is important in order to reintegrate these individuals into society, help them find a job and renew their contacts. The Luxembourg non-profit organisation added that this housing would serve as a base where they could rebuild and improve their quality of life. Consequently, Caritas Luxembourg has called for "unconditional and immediate access to housing" as a priority measure in the fight against homelessness.
Moreover, the non-profit drew attention to the mental health of homeless people, stressing the need for additional places in therapy and withdrawal (detoxification) facilities, wher demand currently exceeds supply. Caritas Luxembourg has also asked for a follow-up service for people after their therapy to prevent relapses. They added that people experiencing homelessness must first "regain confidence in the health system".
Caritas Luxembourg also emphasised the importance of identifying and supporting people at risk of ending up on the street as soon as possible. To achieve this, the non-profit stressed the need to develop streetwork services; these should continue on weekends and extend beyond the Luxembourg capital.
Caritas Luxembourg added that special emphasis should be placed on young people aged 18 to 25, who, according to the non-profit, are at risk of falling into precariousness and ending up on the street, especially if they are alone, without family ties or coming out of a foster home. The non-profit argued that these young people should be able to benefit from Social Inclusion Income (REVIS) so as not to end up on the street.
The full position paper published by Caritas Luxembourg is available on the website: https://www.caritas.lu/.
