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Aid project in Vienna: Hot meals for those in need at Siebenbrunnenplatz
From May 30, 2025, Mario Orth will be distributing free food to those in need at Siebenbrunnenplatz in Vienna to combat homelessness.
Aid project in Vienna: Hot meals for those in need at Siebenbrunnenplatz
A remarkable project was launched at Siebenbrunnenplatz in Vienna on Friday, May 30th. Food is distributed to people in need in a wooden container. Led and financed by Mario Orth from Döbling, this commitment offers an important contact point for homeless people, children, young people and passers-by. Orth, who is not helping for the first time - he already distributed food in Döbling last year - is pursuing a simple goal with this project: “I can afford to help others,” he says, and that shows in his commitment.
At the opening, 25 kilograms of potato goulash were given out, which quickly sold out. On the Monday after the opening, ravioli followed for further tasting. The location at Siebenbrunnenplatz was deliberately chosen to take advantage of the high volume of people and the central location. The stand will now be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., so that food can be regularly offered to anyone in need.
Background to homelessness
Orth's project is in the context of a larger issue that affects Austria. It is estimated that up to 300,000 people will experience homelessness in their lifetime. The reasons for this are often poverty, life crises, rising costs and the end of fixed-term rental contracts, such as vienna.at reported. An estimated 40,000 people in Austria currently live without a permanent residence, which once again underlines the need for initiatives like Orth's.
To meet this challenge, the Ministry of Social Affairs launched the “Housing First” project. This initiative aims to help homeless people by providing them with their own housing. By September 2024, around 1,000 people are expected to receive a rental apartment as part of this initiative. Social Minister Johannes Rauch emphasizes that an apartment is a basic requirement for a self-determined life.
About the “Housing First” initiative
The project “housing first Austria – arriving at home” has been running since 2021 and has so far managed to bring over 1,800 homeless people into 945 affordable apartments. With a funding budget of around 12 million euros from the Ministry of Social Affairs, the aim is to achieve a further significant increase in available living space by the end of 2024. The focus is on providing living space for families and women with children. The apartments are allocated for an indefinite period and rental contracts are structured according to urgency.
These measures are also part of a comprehensive plan that envisages doubling funding per year by the end of 2026. Up to 2,500 people will be given their own apartment, which will provide significant relief for the affected groups. The Ministry of Social Affairs These programs not only create new opportunities, but also give organizations the necessary planning security.
In a city like Vienna, where life is very important, it is essential that initiatives like Mario Orth's not only exist, but also receive more support and attention. The combination of direct help and structural solutions can make a significant difference in many people's lives.