The twelve station missions in Bavaria are increasingly confronted with the growing poverty of the people. According to the current newsletter of the information service of the working group of church railway station missions in Bavaria, their employees are feeling the direct consequences of the Ukraine war, inflation and the energy crisis. More and more food had to be handed out to those seeking help.
In addition, according to the head of the Würzburg station mission, Michael Lindner, there is a growing need to talk to visitors who have existential fears, are mentally challenged or ill. The demographic development, the Deutschlandticket and the planned turnaround in traffic are likely to pose further challenges. After the corona restrictions of previous years, it is also to be expected that more travelers will need support again in the future.
In order for the station missions in the Free State to be secured in the long term, this service for people in need and travelers must be adequately staffed and financially equipped, the newsletter says. The sponsors of the Bavarian railway station missions, IN VIA and Diakonie, are demanding appropriate municipal grants and “continuous, sustainable basic funding” from the state.
Full-time volunteer coordination is also necessary for each station mission and at state level. The train stations should also provide easily accessible, barrier-free and free rooms of sufficient size through their management.