Imagine wandering through Dusseldorf. You stumble upon a place where art meets social justice: fiftyfifty.
fiftyfifty is more than just a name. It is a lifeline for the homeless in Dusseldorf. Founded in 1995 as Asphalt e. V., this non-profit offers a variety of support services. These include housing, medical care for pets and alternative city tours.
But what truly sets fiftyfifty apart? It’s their innovative approach to funding. They operate an art gallery within their premises.
Picture this: world-renowned artists donating their works to support the homeless. Jörg Immendorff and Gerhard Richter are among those who have contributed. Their generosity helps sustain fiftyfifty’s vital programs.
The heart of fiftyfifty is its street magazine. Also called fiftyfifty, it’s sold by people affected by poverty. Vendors purchase the magazine for 1.40 Euros. They sell it for 2.80 Euros. The difference is their income.
This initiative offers more than just money. It provides a sense of purpose. It also helps to structure the vendors’ days. Social workers are on hand to help with any issues.
fiftyfifty was founded by Hubert Ostendorf and Brother Matthäus Werner. In 2007, they received the Dusseldorf Peace Prize for their work. Brother Matthäus Werner was also named Dusseldorf Citizen of the Year in 2011. This underscored the organization’s importance to the city.
The street magazine fiftyfifty first appeared in April 1995. It’s still going strong today. The magazine is available in Dusseldorf and surrounding areas. It’s also sold in Frankfurt.
One of fiftyfifty’s groundbreaking initiatives is Housing First. This approach provides immediate housing to the homeless. This is before addressing other issues.
In 2024, fiftyfifty launched an online edition of their street magazine. To promote it, they created a charity tombola. Prizes included an E-Bass from a famous musician and artwork from Helge Schneider.
So next time you are in Dusseldorf, remember fiftyfifty. It’s a place where art, compassion and social change come together. It’s an organization making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable people. It’s a testament to the power of community and the belief that everyone deserves a chance.