The Bonnevoie building is currently in terrible conditions. Repairs on the water pipes have been going on for months, which is why senior residents already had to be transferred to different homes across the country.
The majority of them are back back by now, but due to the upcoming renovation and remodelling works, a new and long-term alternative has to be found by summer 2023. Since Caritas feels let down by both government and municipal officials, they have now launched an appeal for help through social media.
Without an interim solution, 45 pensioners living at Foyer Ulysse are at risk of loosing their home. Although the government has agreed on financing a temporary home, Caritas is responsible for finding one, which turns out to be the biggest challenge.
Last week, director general Marc Crochet launched a country-wide appeal for help through social media. He pleaded for solidarity with the pensioners who are unable to live on their own and are currently at risk of loosing their home.
On 6 October, government officials, including Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Luxembourg City Mayor Lydie Polfer, paid a visit to the Foyer Ulysse to inspect the obsolete building.
Minister for Family Affairs and Integration Corinne Cahen has meanwhile underlined that it is their responsibility to finance, not find, an alternative home for Caritas Luxembourg.
Crochet therefore appeals to the country’s sense of solidarity, which he believes to have been clearly demonstrated in light of the war in Ukraine. He underlined that their challenge is much less extensive, but nevertheless urgent.
Caritas officials now hope that an unexpected solution might save their residents from loosing their home. Officials know of potential alternatives, such as the vacant building of the former national library or the Schuman building in Kirchberg.
Also, container accommodations should be available within the span of just six weeks if push comes to shove. What Caritas needs is a space with a kitchen, room for staff, offices, and communal rooms for their residents.
