Working with homeless people in Hamburg St. Pauli
Description: The Alimaus is a Catholic facility for homeless and poor people who can get a free hot meal, clothing and sanitary and medical assistance. The donation-funded facility is used by over 200 people every day and is run with the help of many volunteers. The Salvation Army is an international protestant free church. It runs a day centre and meeting place where guests can find a small meal, hot drinks, new clothes, sanitary help or simply a sympathetic ear for their concerns. Both projects are located in St. Pauli, one of the poorest and at the same time most popular residential areas of Hamburg, especially for artists and young people. St. Pauli is known for its colourful and international atmosphere.
Type of Work: The volunteers are integrated into the day-to-day running of the facilities at Alimaus and the Salvation Army and support the volunteers and employees. They help with the preparation of breakfast and lunch as well as with all other necessary tasks, such as serving meals (serving guests), distributing food, assisting in the clothing store and cleaning the facilities. They also help with the collection of food donations. The work is flexible, the volunteers are explicitly asked to show initiative.
Study Theme: A lot can be learned about poverty and homelessness in the study part. Visits to other homeless projects in Hamburg are also planned. An insight into Hamburg's urban development will complete the picture. The history and peace work of the SCI will also play a role.
Accommodation: The work camp group sleeps in a meeting room at the nearby Salvation Army on sleeping mats, possibly also on camp beds. There are sufficient sanitary facilities and cooking facilities. The Salvation Army house is very clean and the furnishings are very modern. On working days, the group is provided with breakfast and lunch; in the evenings and on days off, food must be prepared by the group itself.
Language: The common language at the work camp will be English. Knowledge of Eastern European languages is very welcome.
Requirements: High motivation and willingness to deal respectfully with a difficult clientele. High frustra-tion threshold. Knowledge of German and East European languages is an advantage.
Approximate Location: Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany and there is a lot to discover. The large harbor, the city center, free concerts in the city park, the Elbe beach, many museums and exhibitions. A day trip to the hanseatic cities of Lübeck, Bremen or Lüneburg is possible. The Alimaus and the Salvation Army are located in St. Pauli, a district in the center of Hamburg, directly on the Reeperbahn entertainment mile.
Notes: INCOMING FEE for volunteers applying via partner organisations and contacts of SCI: https://sci-d.de/incomingfee
Camp Photographs
