Linz Warming Rooms and Shelters Offer Relief Amidst Rising Needs

A long line formed outside the Caritas Upper Austria warming room in Linz this morning. Coffee and cake are served at 11 a.m., with a warm meal following later. “We cook mostly home-style food – something considerable so people experiencing homelessness get enough calories,” says Patrick Hörtnagl, who leads the warming room.

Up to 130 People in Need Daily

On busy days, the warming room serves up to 130 people. most are homeless, but many are also on minimum pensions and can no longer afford to live in Linz. Caritas offers warm meals for 50 cents, along with showers and laundry facilities. “In the summer, people usually come to eat and then leave. But in winter, most stay all day,” Hörtnagl explains, “until the 6 p.m. curfew.”

Nighttime Shelter

Many then head to the B37 social association’s emergency sleeping center. It, too, is at full capacity: around 60 beds are available, along with bathrooms, a small kitchen, and a lounge. People seeking shelter for the night pay five euros. “Most of them don’t just…”