Conference on Poverty Demands Preventive Measures Against Poverty

"Countries that successfully align their preventive tools in health, education, social security systems, and housing have the lowest poverty," said Martin Schenk from the Poverty Conference. Despite all the commitments and goals of decision-makers, the risk of poverty among single-parent families has been rising disproportionately compared to the rest of the population for decades, said Doris Pettighofer, Managing Director of the Platform for Single Parents.

Family Allowance and Child Basic Security Against Child Poverty

Targeted measures include solidarity benefits such as the maintenance and expansion of family allowances. Family law reform is also crucial to clarify family relationships and make social benefits more accessible. Currently, one-third of children of single parents do not receive maintenance payments.

Children, in particular, need to be better protected from poverty, said Hanna Lichtenberger from the Austrian People's Aid. 21 percent of children in Austria are affected by poverty - with far-reaching consequences: they are more often ill, have lower educational opportunities, and an increased risk of poverty in adulthood. "We make it very difficult for children to escape poverty," said Lichtenberger. She quantified the annual costs of child poverty according to the OECD at 18 billion euros and therefore called for a child basic security, all-day schools with lunch, and an improved health system, especially for chronically ill children.

The Federal Youth Representation (BJV) also urged the government in a statement to quickly advance child basic security: "Following their recent retreat, the government announced that they want to focus on child basic security in the next six months. We expect that this announcement will now be followed by action," emphasized BJV Chairman Ahmed Naief.

Affordable Housing and Energy Social Tariff Against Homelessness

Young people are increasingly affected by homelessness, explained Alexander Machatschke, Managing Director of the Federal Association for Homeless Assistance. The number of evictions increased by 13 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year, with around 20,500 people currently homeless across Austria. Affordable housing is therefore the central demand, as well as preventive measures against evictions. The government's rent cap is an important step, and permanent rental contracts should follow.

In addition to affordable housing, the Federal Association for Homeless Assistance and Caritas are also calling for affordable energy tariffs for people with low incomes. In view of the upcoming winter, many are worried about having to freeze in their own homes, emphasized Caritas Secretary General Anna Parr: "Energy poverty is a reality." 358,000 people in Austria cannot adequately heat their homes. Parr therefore welcomed the planned energy social tariff for rapid relief.

Strengthen Low-Threshold Offers Against Poverty

Marlene Korsin, head of the telephone counseling service, experiences daily how important preventive measures are. Many callers are in an acute crisis and are supported through the conversation. "This is lived prevention. Because those who feel heard and taken seriously often draw new strength." Therefore, low-threshold offers like telephone counseling should not be cut.

The Professional Association of Austrian Psychologists (BÖP) meanwhile also drew attention to mental health in a statement. "Poverty makes you sick - and mental illnesses make you poor," emphasized BÖP President Beate Wimmer-Puchinger. Comprehensive and insurance-funded treatment places and appropriate structures in schools would have a poverty-reducing effect.

Finally, Christine Sallinger from the Poverty Conference, who is herself affected by poverty, appealed to the government to strengthen social security, especially in times of multiple crises: "It is the responsibility of lawmakers to create conditions so that no one is left behind and falls into poverty."

(APA/Red)

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