GHDI logo
German History in Documents and Images
return to system

Helping the Homeless in Munich (1984)
According to estimations, in 1984 there were approximately 80,000 (single) homeless people in the Federal Republic. For most, the path to homelessness began with the loss of a job, which then led to the loss of a residence. Without a stable residence it was practically impossible to hold a regular job. Charitable organizations like the Catholic Men’s Care Association in Munich tried to reintegrate the homeless into society by offering dormitory placement and personal counseling. The photograph shows Gerald Winker (left) of the Catholic Men’s Care Association in Munich counseling a homeless man.