Encounters at the social café in Bonnevoie

As winter temperatures drop, the challenges for those experiencing homelessness become increasingly dangerous. The Caritas "Courage" café in Bonnevoie serves as a vital refuge, providing warmth and meals throughout the year, seven days a week. Our colleagues at RTL Radio visited the café on Wednesday morning.

The café in Bonnevoie opens its doors at 9am, but the first people are already queuing outside at 6.30am. According to Jérôme Lentz, the deputy manager of the café, this is the case every day, especially during the winter months. Lentz notes that people are mainly interested in taking a shower and doing their laundry. With limited shower cubicles available, the "first come, first served" principle applies.

Being able to meet these basic human needs is important to the customers, Lentz says. He personally wants to dispel the cliché of the long-bearded homeless person: "You have to give people a chance!"

Full-time job in the restaurant industry — and still homeless

Jim* also wants to take a shower on this Wednesday morning. He has been living on the streets for three years, despite working full-time in the restaurant industry. Jim moved to Luxembourg for a relationship that ultimately did not work out.

He cannot find a flat or room in Luxembourg City and living farther away is not an option for him. He has to work in shifts and there are no more trains at 1am.

Nobody at his workplace knows about his situation and Jim wants to keep it private: "I don't want it to influence my work, I don't think they need to know, because it's my private life. As soon as I go to work, I'm clean and I do what I have to do. It's not easy, but you have to deal with it. You have to believe in yourself, you have to believe that things will get better."

Jim is not an isolated case. During the weekend, the café's washing machines are therefore reserved for those who work during the week. But in addition to those living on the streets, there are also those who, despite having a place to stay, simply cannot make ends meet at the end of the month.

A haven for 3,419 people in 2022

In 2022, 3,419 people benefitted from the social café's services. Around 10% of them were women. The café distributed over 23,000 sandwiches. The winter months are the busiest period, with the "Wanteraktioun" drawing in more individuals seeking refuge in Luxembourg during this time. However, beyond seasonal spikes, the café also serves a consistent clientele, including some who are part of the second generation to visit. Jérôme Lentz points out a poignant example — a father and his daughter, both homeless.

Jim is slowly starting to reach his limits without stable housing: "Many promises are made, but in the end, you're on your own." He has long lost confidence in politicians. His next shift starts at 12pm.

*The name has been changed as "Jim" wishes to remain anonymous.