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How Two Street Workers in Wiesbaden Are Changing Young Lives

A mobile home becomes a sanctuary for 400,000 young Germans facing homelessness. These street workers listen first—then transform lives, one small goal at a time.

This is a top view of an image. In this image there are many vehicles parked and there are a few...
This is a top view of an image. In this image there are many vehicles parked and there are a few people standing in front of the camps. At the center of the image there is a hut and on the left side of the image there are few trees.

How Two Street Workers in Wiesbaden Are Changing Young Lives

A new documentary from ZDF's '37 Grad' series, 'Street Workers: Between Asphalt and Hope', offers a unique insight into the daily work of Anna Lena and Trucy, two dedicated street workers from Wiesbaden. The film, now available in the ZDF Media Library, follows these individuals as they strive to help at-risk youth reclaim control of their lives.

Anna Lena and Trucy, both employed by Caritas, operate a 24-hour hotline, ensuring they are always accessible to the youth they serve. Their approach is simple yet effective: they meet young people at eye level, listen without judgment, and avoid condemnation, regardless of their backgrounds.

At the heart of their work is 'upstairs', a vibrantly painted mobile home serving as a drop-in center and protected space for young people outside Wiesbaden Central Station. Here, they provide essential services such as food, clothing, transit tickets, and assistance with bureaucratic tasks, doctor’s appointments, or job applications. The mobile home opens its doors four afternoons a week, offering a lifeline to the estimated 400,000 young people under 25 in Germany who experience homelessness at some point, often due to family conflicts, poverty, or lack of future prospects. Anna Lena and Trucy establish clear structures and set achievable, motivating goals to help these young people build a self-determined future.

The documentary 'Street Workers: Between Asphalt and Hope' highlights the crucial role Anna Lena and Trucy play in supporting at-risk youth in Wiesbaden. Their dedication and unique approach offer hope and practical assistance to those in need, helping them to navigate challenges and reclaim control of their lives.

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