Horizont e.V. Munich: A home and real alternatives for homeless families
Munich, one of the most prosperous cities in Germany, is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of homelessness. But behind the façade of economic success lies a bitter truth: more than 3,000 children live here without a permanent home (source: Munich Social Services Department, November 2022). This staggering figure represents more than just a lack of living space - it stands for fate, trauma and hopelessness. This is precisely where the non-profit association Horizont e.V. which has been offering mothers and their children in need a new perspective for over 25 years.
A safe haven for traumatized families
Most of the homeless families in Munich are invisible. They often hide from the public because they feel ashamed or are afraid that they will not be helped. Women and children who have ended up on the streets as a result of domestic violence or other traumatizing experiences are particularly affected. Without help and protection, they are left to fend for themselves in their distress.
Horizont e.V. was set up to give these invisible people a bit of normality and security again. The association not only offers a roof over their heads, but also comprehensive care and psychological support. Horizont helps the affected families to overcome their traumas and develop new perspectives on life through safe living spaces and targeted support.
How Horizont e.V. works: Holistic support for mothers and children
The services offered by Horizont e.V. go far beyond providing housing. In Horizont's houses, families not only find a safe home, but also security and a regular daily routine. Special attention is paid to the needs of children, who often suffer from the consequences of homelessness and the trauma they have experienced.
1. Living space and security
Providing housing is the first and most important step in giving stability to the mothers and children affected. For many of these families, a safe place means not only a roof over their heads, but also a feeling of protection and security. In the shelters run by Horizont e.V., the residents find
a home that enables them to find their feet again.
2. Psychosocial support and therapy
Many of the mothers and children in our care have experienced severe violence and are deeply traumatized. Horizont e.V. offers targeted psychological support to deal with these traumas. Both the mothers and the children receive therapeutic support to help them come to terms with what they have experienced and find new hope. This support is provided by qualified professionals who specialize in the particular needs of traumatized families.
3. Education and integration
Another central component of Horizont e.V.'s work is to promote the social and professional integration of mothers. Training courses, educational programs and practical assistance make it easier for the women to return to work. At the same time, the children are given the chance of a regular school education and social participation, which is crucial for their future.
The invisible struggle: homelessness in Munich
In Munich, homelessness is often invisible. Unlike in many large cities, the people affected here are less likely to be seen on the streets. Instead, many of them live in emergency shelters, with friends or in makeshift solutions. Women and children in particular easily fall into this vicious circle of invisibility. But the hardship is real: poverty, social isolation and the constant struggle to find a safe place to sleep are part of everyday life for many of these families.
The work of Horizont e.V. brings these invisible fates to light. Through targeted offers of help, the association draws attention to the problem of hidden homelessness and gives the affected families a voice. By offering them not only a home, but also long-term prospects, the initiative makes a decisive contribution to combating poverty and homelessness in Munich.
How you can help: Support for Horizont e.V.
The work of Horizont e.V. is made possible by donations and the active support of volunteers. Without this help, it would hardly be possible to help the families so comprehensively. Every contribution counts - whether through monetary donations, donations in kind or voluntary work.
If you would also like to make a contribution, you can find more information on the Website of Horizont e.V.. Your help can contribute to giving mothers and their children hope and a future again.
Frequently asked questions
1. how long can families stay at Horizont e.V.?
The duration of the stay depends on the individual situation of the families. However, the aim is to support them until they are able to stand on their own two feet again.
2 Who finances the work of Horizont e.V.?
It is mainly financed by donations and public funding. The city of Munich also supports the initiative.
3. what requirements must families fulfill in order to be accepted at Horizont e.V.?
Mothers and children who are acutely threatened or affected by homelessness are accepted. Places are allocated according to urgency.
4. how can I support Horizont e.V.?
There are many ways to support Horizont - through financial donations, donations in kind or voluntary work. You can find all the information you need on the association's website.
5. what successes has Horizont e.V. already achieved?
Over the past 25 years, the association has helped countless families to build a new life. Thanks to Horizont's support, many women have been able to return to work and give their children a stable future.
