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https://reasonstobecheerful.world/fiftyfifty-art-auction-germany-homeless-housing/>
"Everybody in Düsseldorf knows Michael Hermann by his nickname “Hörman.” His
bright red beard and impish smile distinguish him from his peers who sell the
magazine
fiftyfifty on street corners. “Love on the streets,” is the headline
of the most recent issue, approaching “the taboo topic” with sensitivity and
care.
Fiftyfifty derives its name from its founding idea 25 years ago: The mostly
unhoused street vendors who sell it keep fifty percent of the sales price,
currently 2 euros and 80 cents (about $3 USD). The other half finances the
magazine’s monthly production. But for Hermann, selling
fiftyfifty means much
more than a few euros. After over two decades on the streets,
fiftyfifty
bought him a place to live in 2017 — not just a bed in a shelter, but a brand
new studio apartment all to himself — thanks to a glamorous blonde photographed
in stunning black and white by the late Peter Lindbergh.
Hermann’s social worker, Oliver Ongaro, does the math: Celebrity photographer
Lindbergh donated 14 pictures to the Düsseldorf gallery operated by
fiftyfifty. Each print was auctioned for 4,200 euros. From these proceeds,
plus a few smaller donations,
fiftyfifty purchased Hermann’s apartment for
64,700 Euros (about $70,000 USD) including the cost for renovations.
“This is basically the amount two years of care for him would have cost
anyway,” says Ongaro, referring to the German social system that covers
assisted living, temporary shelters and emergency health care for people
experiencing homelessness. “So we might as well get him a permanent home for
that.”
Hermann decorated his 300 freshly renovated square feet with a comfy couch and
well-organized wall unit. Every corner shines as if newly scrubbed. The best
part: Hermann left his heroin addiction at the doorstep of his new home, along
with his penchant for alcohol binges. “When I know where I can stay for sure, I
can establish myself permanently, build lasting connections with my neighbors
and tackle my issues,” he says."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
