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I have been working in the Würzburg station mission for 37 years, and in a management position since 1992.

I started out as a student, back then on night duty.

At no time have we been as restricted in our work as we are now by the Corona requirements.

More than 45,000 times a year people come to us and ask for help.

For many, we are the only point of contact.

And most of them have several problems at the same time: Many are socially isolated, homeless, struggle with psychological crises, drug or gambling addiction.

Some are just tired of life.

Our promise to each of the visitors is: You are welcome.

No matter what need you are in and who you are, we are there for you.

We cannot now implement this principle as usual.

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Usually there are five tables in the visitor room where up to 20 people can sit at the same time, drink tea or coffee and chat.

There are currently only three tables at which one visitor can sit - 17 people fewer than usual. The others have to stay outside.

Instead of three shifts, we can only work in pairs at the moment.

This is an additional requirement for employees with 120 requests for help every day.

Because of Corona, conversations with visitors are more distant and shorter, more complex problems can only rarely be addressed.

The conversation is extremely important to me as a supervisor and even more important to people in times of Corona.

A plexiglass pane and two masks separate us.

Sometimes you really have to scream so that the other can hear you.

When people are waiting in line for groceries in front of the entrance area, the pressure makes it difficult to pay attention to one another and to give real care.

Sometimes I go out and ask those waiting to give me more time for a visitor.

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Despite everything, I often get presents at work.

Visitors also know about hopeful stories, provide some funny punch lines, and keep giving me food for thought.

All of our employees experience this, a total of 50 volunteers and full-time employees who ensure that we are available around the clock every day.

Because need has no opening times.

And there is a lot at stake right now with people who need our help.

Recently, a caller on the emergency phone said, "I'm in psychological lockdown." A man who lives on the street said how he suffered from the fact that there is currently no warm room for him to stay.

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Another, who has lost his job due to Corona and now spends his days at the train station, reported how he observed people talking to themselves.

He too is afraid of losing contact with the outside world.

All of this shows how problematic it is when even we can no longer adequately take care of those seeking help.

Our material aid is less restricted.

On the contrary: we give out a hundred instead of fifty emergency meals a day.

Because many new people in need - people who were better off before Corona, who might never have imagined going to a train station mission - are now getting yogurt, bread and apples from us.

Thankfully, the willingness of many citizens to donate has also increased.

That encourages us.

Because the challenges remain.

To be understood correctly: The current Corona measures are indispensable and correct.

At the same time, however, there are people who are hit hard by this prevention.

It is the people out there who struggle with their lives or themselves alone, without social ties, without prospects.

They are overlooked in the plans of great politics.

I would understand if a visitor vented his frustration on me.

But rarely pukes up, becomes aggressive or shows desperation.

Much more often people become quiet and withdraw further - the question is where.