Prefer Donations Over Begging
In the heart of Hamburg, a street magazine named Hinz&Kunzt is making a significant difference in the lives of marginalized individuals, particularly Romanian immigrants. This publication, designed to support homeless and socially marginalized people, offers vendors a platform for economic stability, social inclusion, and personal empowerment.
For many, selling Hinz&Kunzt is more than just a job. It's a means to reconnect with society and regain a sense of dignity. Take the case of Lacramioara Lupu, a Romanian woman who once played the accordion for money on the streets of Hamburg, but now sells the magazine in front of a shopping center in Schenefeld. After a long battle with Hepatitis C, Lacramioara found a more dignified life through Hinz&Kunzt.
Lacramioara's husband, Ilie, a saxophonist, passed away due to the same illness, leaving her to raise their children on her own. They lived under bridges or in parks when they first arrived in Hamburg. Today, Lacramioara lives in a small house in Krupunder with her family, and her regular customers buy a magazine from her every month. If they're on vacation, they even ask for the issue they missed.
Selling Hinz&Kunzt has not only provided Lacramioara with a steady income, but also with a sense of recognition and respect from her customers. This recognition improves her dignity, she says, and it's an honor to be appreciated in this way.
Another vendor, Ileana, a 75-year-old Romanian woman, has been living on the streets of Hamburg for seven years. Before finding Hinz&Kunzt, Ileana worked in agriculture in Romania but had no social security. Now, with her Hinz&Kunzt ID, she no longer needs to beg. Her customers recognize and appreciate her at her regular spot at Edeka in Barmbek-South.
For younger immigrants like Ramonel Lupu, Hinz&Kunzt has opened doors to new opportunities. Originally from a village in Romania where the family's livelihood consisted of a pig, a cow, and corn for polenta, Ramonel grew up in challenging circumstances. When Romania became an EU state, his parents traveled to Germany, leaving the children in Romania.
Ramonel, now a 21-year-old man, struggled to adapt when he moved to Hamburg. But with the help of Ana-Maria Ilisiu and Cristina Stanculescu, he was able to find a school, get a secondary school diploma, and obtain his first apartment in Hamburg. Ramonel is currently learning to be a hairdresser in a salon in Eppendorf.
In a city like Hamburg, where many people recognize and regularly buy a magazine from vendors like Lacramioara and Ileana, Hinz&Kunzt provides a vital service. By offering a dignified way for marginalized individuals to earn money and connect with the community, the magazine is helping to improve the economic and social conditions of its vendors. And for vendors like Lacramioara, Ileana, and Ramonel, Hinz&Kunzt is more than just a magazine—it's a lifeline.
- Lacramioara now finds a connection between her previous street performances and her current role as a Home-and-Garden section vendor for Hinz&Kunzt, as she sells the magazine in front of shopping centers with regular customers who appreciate her.
- Education-and-self-development opportunities have been transformative for younger immigrants like Ramonel Lupu, who, after facing difficulties adapting to his new life in Hamburg, was able to obtain a secondary school diploma and secure his first apartment, thanks to the support of Hinz&Kunzt.
- For sports enthusiasts, Hinz&Kunzt offers a unique shopping experience, as prominent sports figures often contribute articles to the magazine, providing a platform for their voices to reach marginalized individuals and a wider audience.
