The Caritas telephone helpline assisted 860 people. Some called to get information, others requested financial aid during the Coronavirus crisis.
The service helped people who were struggling to buy food or pay their bills, rent or debt. The organisation spent a total of €267,000 in specific aid, it explained on Thursday, while presenting the results of their operation. Caritas took the opportunity to call on the government to increase its efforts in the fight against poverty.
A significant proportion of assistance seekers were young: 27% were under 30 years old and a third between 31 and 40. Single parents were also well represented.
The crisis particularly affected those working in the restaurant sector, cleaning services and the self-employed. Individuals and families who were managing before the crisis saw their situation decline.
Caritas called on the government to do more to address poverty and inequality, especially in the areas of employment, climate and housing.
Examples cited included the creation of affordable housing or more efforts for a sustainable climate policy. The charity further demanded that certain fiscal inequalities be eliminated, by reintroducing a wealth tax or increasing the cost-of-living subsidy, for instance.
Caritas also called for guaranteed access to healthcare and Covid testing for the homeless population.
Video report in Luxembourgish:
