Austrian town's bench design stirs debate on homelessness
At the railway station in the Austrian town of Dornbirn, benches equipped with special beams to prevent people from lying down have been installed. This decision has prompted a wave of criticism from residents and homeless people, who perceive it as a form of discrimination.
4 December 2024 16:38
The new benches, which have appeared on the platforms, have become a focal point in the ongoing discussion about homelessness in public spaces in Austria.
Discrimination or concern for travellers?
According to the authorities, the wooden beams installed on the seats are intended to enhance the safety of travellers. However, the homeless community believes this action specifically targets them.
"The issue with these wooden beams is simply discriminatory," says a homeless man, Daniel Trupp, in an interview with Austrian television ORF. Helmut Leitenbauer echoes this sentiment. "We only sleep here in emergencies. Blocking us like this doesn't make much sense. It would be more sensible if politicians considered how to help people who are without a home and need to sleep here in emergencies," added another homeless individual.
The homeless emphasise that when they bring their own mattresses and blankets, the police and city guards confiscate them. They believe the city authorities are not addressing the issue but merely masking it.
In response to the criticisms, city officials issued a statement. "Seating areas at railway and bus stations are primarily intended for passengers. (...) Care for those in need is very well organised in the country, and no one has to live or spend nights on the streets," the statement read.
Loud voices on the problem of homelessness in Austria
Ferdinand Koller, director of the Dowas homeless shelter in nearby Bregenz, does not hide his disappointment. "It's a symbol of rejection." He suggests it can be seen as a sign of institutions' helplessness in tackling the issue of homelessness.
He also noted that since the new benches were installed, he has received numerous complaints from residents outraged by this solution. Many express solidarity with the homeless and the impoverished, demanding a more humane approach.
According to data from the Austrian statistical office, the number of homeless people in Austria has been rising since 2021. Last year, over 20,000 people were without shelter, highlighting the scale of the problem and the need for systemic solutions.
