I've been homeless and lived in a garage with my dogs. Doing it in the middle of a Ohio winter is tough. I also walked around a lot. It's one of the most desperate, lonely feelings I've ever had. Watching people live normal lives. I've gotten myself out of the situation but at a cost. I lost my dogs. They had to go to a rescue. My heart was broken. People would be amazed how many homeless stay that way because of their animals.

It's more painful to see elderly people going through this. They should be taken care of.

This makes me so sad. I'm heartbroken for that sweet lady and her fur babies. I'll pray for her to find a forever home.

The scariest part is that it could happen to ANYBODY. And that is so awful, people who are used to having a place to live and now all of a sudden boom, there is NOTHING. Nobody should have to live like this.

It's a Worldwide problem. I'm 56, in the town I grew up in (Ajax, Ontario, Canada) the average house price was $35,000. It is $700,000 now.

The most frightening part of this is how normal the ones classed as homeless are, it shows how easily it could happen to many of us

My brother recently told me he was homeless, living in his vehicle many years ago. It shocked me, he never asked me for help. Unfortunately, I was stationed in Okinawa Japan at the time. It's an eye opener.

I lived in Germany 76-79 and 90-93. Never saw anything remotely resembling a homeless problem. Housing was hard to get in the early 90s but lots of housing was being built. Loved living there…I’ve been back a few times since. I was in the Munich Bahnhof in 2010 and tossed a bottle in the regular trash. An elderly lady walked over and took it out and I thought she was shaming me. But I watched another video of how many poor pensioners were in Germany and I realized she was collecting recyclables for the money.

I'm a 72 year old British woman and at my age there's not much that surprises me, but this documentary really shocked me. I never thought that such a problem would exist in a country like Germany.

No matter which country they are from. All homeless are deserve a shelter. Been homeless for few weeks in India. I mean spent all those days in my office only with one pair off clothes, since my rented house was seized by my owner. I literally cried every day. It's very hard to spend as homeless.

All I can say is wow...I watch a lot of documentaries and this is one of the best filmed and edited ones I've ever seen. When I whisked me way through Germany last summer on the ICE train through Frankfurt and Koln to Hamburg, I never imagined there were that many homeless in the country. It's a big problem in Canada too, and only getting worse with the rise in inflation and the never ending rent increases. I truly admire the effort that Euro countries are making to try to mitigate this pressing issue, I only wish the government here cared as much. Thank you for making this documentary.

I will keep these wonderful people in my thoughts and prayers. Homelessness is a united nation issue and we never truly appreciate what we have unless we see these people hurting this way. God bless them all.

Felt so bad for them especially now it’s winter it’s very cold for these homeless people

My heart is broken for the lady and her sweet little dogs. I hope they are in a safe, comfortable home together now. 😭

Sascha. 😭 It's admirable that you won't give up your cat. God bless you brother.

I live in the U.S. and I've been homeless due to being hit by a drunk illegal immigrant with no license or insurance. I lost the house I was buying laying in a hospital bed in my living room for over a year and over another year in physical therapy. Meanwhile I was working on trying to get disability benefits because I am not able to work due to the injuries from being hit - I am not going to say car accident because it was anything but an accident. I was homeless for over 6 years, applying for disability benefits 3 times each time taking over 2 years to get denied and having to reapply. I live in Michigan, northern part of the southern peninsula. I did 3 Michigan winters in a tent and 3 in a camper. Believe it or not the tent was way better. Trying to heat the camper was harder than heating a tent. I'm now in an apartment that I really hate living in. The neighbors and the rules are insane - literally. And because I live on disability and have government assistance I have everybody and their brother up my ass wanting to know everything about me- what I have, what I don't have, how much money I have or don't have, where my money comes from and where I spend it etc. etc etc.. Being homeless was almost better than the way I live now - at least being homeless I didn't have everyone in my business. I didn't know how I was going to get out of being homeless and now I don't know how I'm going to get out of the situation I'm in and better my life. I want to buy a house again but I don't know how I'm going to make that happen with all the restrictions I live under keeping me down. Homelessness is a worldwide problem that our society doesn't understand at all. People look down on homeless people, as if they're the scum of the earth just because they're homeless. When you get down to the extent of being homeless and then relying on the government to get out of being homeless, it's really very hard to get back up to an acceptable level of living again. I really hate this appartment. I have to make myself think of things to be grateful for every day - like I'm glad I don't have to cut firewood for heat because I'm not physically able to anymore, I like sleeping in my bed instead of a cot and sleeping bag, I like being able to take a shower when I want to or need to, and I like not having to worry about being told that I have to move because I can't stay here or there anymore. It's hard living like this, but it's also hard being homeless. Either way, it's hard to get back to living self sustainable and being able to improve your life. I can't even save money in a bank account because I'll get penalized for it one way or another - they'll raise my rent, cut my food card, or just make me sell anything of any value and possibly just take the money I've managed to save. Making money is the same thing, I get penalized for it, losing more than I make somewhere in the mix. Can't win for losing - ALL BECAUSE I WAS HIT BY A DRUNK ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WITH NO LICENSE OR INSURANCE. Oh yeah, the illegal immigrant that hit me was not deported or prosecuted. He gets a free ride while I pay the cost of his crime

What a shame. I just can’t believe this country is going through such horrible moment with the homeless. Great documentary DW! Thanks for sharing with the world.

This is a world wide problem. This shouldn't be going on in this day and age.

Excellent documentary, good camera work, good camera angles, good story line, enjoyed watching.

These situations people are suffering through are tragic! My heart goes out to them.

People don't realize how pets can give people a reason to hold on and keep going. A lot of people would die if they didn't have their pets, because they wouldn't have anything else to live for.

I m from Berlin and within the last years, I see more and more old people collecting bottles because their retirement just doesn't last until the end of the months and the rents are getting higher and higher, among other things. It's heartbreaking and it definitely increased, although many of those had been working for most of their lives. Also heartbreaking they want them to give away their pets.. Many, especially elder people, often do not have family or a support system of a similar kind. insisting of abandoning their beloved pets is cold and inhuman. It's really sad and makes me afraid of getting old somehow. All the best for those people and their pets

This poor lady, worked all those years and she has 2 little beloved dogs and she is homeless. I'm crying this is breaking my heart. God bless you and care for you and you furry companions. A true strength and animal lover same as the man who loves his cat. Animals are so kind to us, ppl of aren't. Lovely guy 👋✌✋💕 WHY IS IT AS A COUNTRY BECOMES RICHER THE POOR BECOME POORER MORE DEATHS MORE HOMELESS MORE DESPAIR😢

As a dog parent, my heart goes out to those especially devoted to their furry family members. What happened to all the American military quarters turned over to the German government?

This is an outstanding documentary, DW, on a depressing issue in our society. My highest regards and respect for those with the courage to talk about their lives on this video, as they have now become part of the solution by sharing their struggles with us. It can happen to any of us. I salute you DW for introducing us to the plight of real people and not just statistics that can not talk or express the emptiness and despair of homelessness.

I was homeless for 5 years in New Zealand. Single people of middle age up seem to really cop it as rents are phenomenal here. I worked my trade and took a night job so I had somewhere warm to be. It changed me forever. Took a long time to stop hating the politicians who mismanaged the mess. I have zero faith in the future for many of us. Go well guys.. you gotta be resourceful

I volunteer at a homeless shelter that closes each day at 3pm. These folk have lost everything except their pride. It is an honour to assist them and I have made such wonderful friends. I only wish we could offer overnight sleeping facilities.

this can really happen to anybody and seems so hard to keep mental health like this...

"AND MY DOGS ARE LIKE MY CHILDREN. I AM NOT PUTTING THEM AWAY!!" ....... God bless that senior woman and may she find a place to live. If she was here I will immediately offer her a room in my home.

It's so sad when people say that those suffering from homelessness can help themselves perfectly easily. There are so many obstacles and struggles, yet many people want to ignore it.

Thank you for an amazing film on a very important subject.

Glad that I got a paid for home,, Like my grandmother use to say "You need to count your blessings there are other people who are not as blessed"

Same story in the Netherlands. Probably in many places in Europe these days because housing is just getting too expensive

That first woman with the dogs is a sweetheart! I'm touched and encouraged by her positive mindset inspite of the difficult situation.

Great content! You should also make a document regarding Dublin, Ireland rents. It is also quite unrealistic compared to the mass people's salaries! I feel really sorry for all the people around the world who have been suffering from Covid-19. It kills humans emotionally and economically.

I was only ever in Hamburg once, in 2008, so that's before this documentary says homelessness was getting out of control there. Nonetheless, I was almost brought to tears by the number of homeless people I saw while driving through the city. I can't imagine how bad it is there now. It could happen to anyone.

I never knew Germany had a homeless problem. I always heard what a great social safety net they had. The working poor is getting worse. All the money is in the hands of a very few.

American here...we need to do what Finland is doing right now. The homeless problem here (especially in California) is really bad. I hope we can solve this issue soon.

This is inspiring and helpful.

I am from Germany and I left in 2002 and been living in London England ever since. Housing is very bad here. I had no idea. I am disappointed to see Germany is heading the same way. Very sad.

These people are heroes for standing by their pets. They have nothing to be ashamed of.

Wait a sec… isn’t it Germany the country who has accepted nearly 2 million refuges within last few years? From what I’ve been told to most of them has been granted a different kind of accommodation like temporary buildings or some alone houses. I hardly support that, but why the same state can’t afford that for it’s regular citizens?

Poor man suffering is rich man comfort.🙏🏾💚

I was homeless at age 17 in Australia and made enough money by 37 to retire. Living the dream life now!

Most of us are one bad event away from homelessness. Bodily injury, house fire, tornado, tsunami, earthquake, job loss, business loss, law suit, wrongfully accused of a crime, no family to help, loss of roommates you used to spli rent with

Thank you for this documentary because I've been homeless before and this speaks to me. I will share this on my social media networks

Very eye-opening program. I never thought that somebody else would be responsible to provide anything for me, including housing. I always had my goal including joining the top 1% financially, once I achieved it, I set new goals. It is heart breaking to see, but difficult to comprehend and joyful to hear that progress has been made. Anybody who is making these people's lives better, I admire, respect and congratulate you.

I am from India. And looking at the deplorable conditions of people out there, I thank the almighty each day for providing me with a roof over my hea, food on the table and a bed to snuggle in.

The man in the van made me cry. How is this possible in a rich, powerful Germany.

Very informative documentary! Didn't know a country like Germany was having such a hidden grieve problem!

My heart hurts and cries even though in my heart when I see a scene like that without a home, living on the streets with pets. .Hopefully there is a government or private agency that can help "homeless" dgn memberikan rumah singgah , seperti yang ada di Indonesia.

I am a 31 yeat old Canadian, me an my wife struggle vary much these days, are kids definitely don't have the life they deserve :( we work hard we both went to school an college but we just can't keep up with hiw expensive things are.

My respect for all these people who are currently struggling. Great documentary, thanks .

It’s really bad here in the UK too. I feel like it’s going to take millions of people and families to become homeless before my government wake up and do something. Somewhere affordable to live is a human right.

Oh my god, I am so sorry. I also spent time homeless. I live in Australia, my dad was German. I know that I can't fix this huge problem but I send my love to you and pray you will all be safe in your own home soon. I have had stable accommodation for 5.5 years now but the house is being sold. So I also could become homeless again and I am stressed out to the max. The pandemic has caused our houses to sky rocket and so to are the rents. Long long waiting lists for public housing poverty is growing exponentially. This is a long standing world wide problem and I feel Finland has come up with a fantastic idea. I don't want a hand out just a help up. Love to you all

So sad to see it( Wish you guys all the best

To be honest, everyone can come homeless, just like these people. It's so sad that in developing countries, people are suffering mentally and physically.. I hope no one becomes homeless. 🙏

As a person who was homeless twice in the US, I know first the frustration of having a job making nearly $70,000US a year and still was struggling to find affordable housing. By the time the Government finishes taxing the people to death/debt and the high cost of housing in New York, it is no surprise so many people are homeless or partially homeless. I see Germany has similar problems. I am so glad that I retired and I am back in the sunny Caribbean where the cost of living is low, and fresh fruits and vegetables are in abundance; the country is very safe and there are lots of things to do; thank you, Lord.

DW does what the media should do, highlight difficult subjects that society needs to know.

Homelessness is a major problem in my home state, California

It's a scandal, it's a global problem and it should be a priority for all governments but of course, it isn't. The amount of empty properties is shocking and sickening. We can do so much better.

This is heartbreaking Germany is not the only country in the EU pretty much every country in the world is experiencing this because housing is not only in short demand but it is ridiculously priced! To the point that it is causing homelessness, The governments need to do more.

I think the perfect solution would be those tiny houses. A lot of people just want running water, power, heat, toilet and a kitchen with room to sleep. People are building these tiny houses for $20,000. Just imagine how many tiny houses counsels can build and fit on a fair size piece of land. Not everyone wants or needs a mansion.

I didn't feel anything negative when I move into my car. I didn't and don't care what anyone thinks of me and my choices... I had someone close to me who was murdered and I just left my place,put stuff in storage and outfitted my Kia sportage comfortably and had no issues with anyone, or anything. I had a good job and if I was honest I would have to say, if I could find a place to park I'd prefer my car. More changes happened 3 more deaths and I took over my brothers pet's. So decided to by an rv and live in it. Just don't let people tell you your value,or anything about you for that matter... with or without what some call normal lifestyle you are kind, smart, funny, strong People who are loyal and caring, often hard working. Stay strong and remember, your pet children are loyal and love you and need you...

I'm homeless, at 61, a Brit living in Latvia, I have lived this way for over five years and, previously, off grid for 16 yrs. I decided to embrace the lifestyle when faced with it and, I have to say that i still enjoy all aspects of it. I get zero assistance fromthe state (not that I need it), I liv.e a simple, almost primitive life and see it as an adventure. Maybe I am lucky that I can have this attitude, but ,it still annoys me when I see the failure of others to help those in need.

It made me so happy to see that homeless man get a new appartment god bless these people

Very moving documentary. I'm no stranger to being homeless here in the U.S.. I decided it was less expensive to live on the road so I bought a van and roamed the country in it. I see the commitment to providing housing as a viable solution, but I did not see the effects of mental illness factored into the causes of a person becoming homeless. Among the homeless in the U.S. there seem to be significant mental health issues, and these people may not be able to maintain the structured existence required to have your own place.

I am in Saudi Arabia, its area is very large and its population is approximately 40 million, but there is no homeless person and there is no person looking for food. Yes, there are poor people, but they did not reach the limit to look for housing or food, but this is available to everyone, Germany is a beautiful country and I like it, but I was shocked After this documentary, I wish you and us all the best and happiness

Its so sad. Denmark is a small rich Country and Yet we have a Lot of homeless. I wish All the best.

It's called priced out of the community. When the value exceeds your affordability you are essence banished from the community. Home values are demanding more than your salary is providing.

❤wow, so sad it is everywhere and scary systems world wide 😢

It is so sad all over the world that the cost of living is higher than the pay.

It fills me with rage that people with pets struggle a lot more, as if having a pet is a luxury reserved only for the rich! The same problem occurs in the UK. Shelters won’t accept homeless people with pets, so they end up with no shelter and some did die on the street. When I get stuff for the homeless, I don’t only give them human food but dog food as well.

Germany, US, Canada, England, Japan, etc ALL have a significant increase in homelessness whether it be job loss, drugs, illness expense or whatever the reason. It's a worldwide issue that governments have no solution to the problem. It's really a sad situation in the grand scheme of things.

Very insightful documentary. The vacancy map seems to be showing a majority in the former DDR (GDR). Former German citizen living in Australia and curious. Is there a connection? 🤔 “it’s not a money issue, it’s always cheaper to provide permanent solutions, permanent housing” - Juha Kaakinen. Finland seem to have understood the problem and are already implementing solutions.

So so sad. We also had bad times but did manage to get out of it. 😢

This is unacceptable!! Every country and every community has this problem and it's not right. People work themselves to death and then THIS!? REALLY?! I think we're paying the wrong people millions of dollars...like actors and athletes. That's BS. Those people have several homes and their shoes cost more than normal people make in one month. Life's definitely not fair. Anywhere. I pray for positive change.

Thank you for another great documentary, DW! I'm so happy for Joe, I hope everyone like him can get Housing First assistance too. I'm from the Philippines, an asian country whose never-ending homelessness is a major issue. My family were never rich but at least my parents worked hard to buy a land and built one big house to fit all their 7 kids. They always told us that it will be much difficult for their kids to get their own homes bc everything are getting more expensive and they never wish to see us suffering or become homeless even after their gone. I'm always thankful for my parents support and kindness, we're at least have less worries now. I hope to all parents out there to never lose hope and prioritize your kid's future, bless us all. ❤️

Excellent Documentary Love it. Thank You.

Great report from DW. Homelessness is even more in other countries. Very sad.

Get some of those pods built (the ones they have in Japan), its minimal but that's better than nothing.

That’s like upscale homeless in the USA, I lived in my car and storage unit for almost 2 years and people didn’t really consider me homeless.

Great program. I was homeless for three years in America. Very little help.

Heart Breaking

DW as usual making great documentaries! I’m from Mexiko and I was absolutely surprised about the severity of the this social problem in Germany. I do feel for the people with furry companions, it’s unbelievable that the state ask them to give them away when such lovely pets have become their faithful companions! They’re their family! Such sad stories ;(

Five months in the back of my truck at the end of a horribly hot summer, and beginning of a very rainy winter. My camper shell leaked onto my stuff and I would wake up to wet bedding and clothes. I worked two jobs and still didn't make enough for a place of my own. If it wasn't for a family member buying me a travel trailer to live in, I'd still be in the back of my truck. I'm in my early 50's. Worked my whole life and still wouldn't have enough on my own in a apartment even. Homelessness can happen to anyone at anytime. From one day to the next, be thankful and grateful if you have a roof over your head and a full belly at the end of the night. I only had five months with a blown back in my truck. I can't imagine years of it.

Heartbreaking

Things are really tough all over. Its very sad. When you think that no matter, how hard you work, the economic situation is not great globally. God help us all. Be grateful you have a home. Wish we could end poverty and homelessness.

I sympathize with the people struggling to find a home in this documentary. I live in Silicon Valley and let me tell you it is just as bad here as it is in Germany and elsewhere when it comes to finding an affordable housing complex or a house due to rising costs and living in cities.

It’s starting to happen here in North America. People have jobs but the housing and apartments are so out of reach no one can afford them.

9 out 10 would normally abandon their pets, when they no longer have a roof to live under. But this woman has a beautiful heart. Totally agree with her. I have 2 cats and they are indeed my babies. I hope she gets a better place to move into soon, where she could have a better quality life and time with her 2 babies 🌹…

Seems to be a growing problem around the world! So sad

I used to be an exchange student in Germany in the 90s. The homelessness problems were less (based on my personal observation - definitely not scientific). Same in the US, homelessness didn't appear to have the magnitude till >2005. Could it be changes in economic policies?

In the Netherlands we have homeless. But they do get a bank card with at least 600,- per month to spend. Then most of them hustle a bit for extra cash. At least they can eat and sometimes use the shelter.

I live in the USA I'm a 53 year old male with a full time job. I'm one major medical problem from being homeless. It scares the shit out of me. I have work my whole life. But I have made some poor decisions to in the past. We here in the US also have the high cost of renting. You can't find a one bedroom apartment in a safe area without it costing $1000.00 a month. Rent has gotten to be just to high for simple living conditions. Best of luck to everyone facing this. If I ever do end up homeless I would have to take my own life. I'm just to old to sleep on the streets.

Wow....we don't have a problem like that in Italy. This is incredible.

DW documentaries are always good to watch.

The man at the beginning said it well--that no one should have to experience that. That these people work their whole lives, paying taxes to support the system, but then can't afford a space to live... Should be a massive wakeup call for the rest of us.

I feel very sad for this state of affairs, same in new Zealand.

Germany had homelessness back in 1991 and I was shocked to see people sleeping in parks during summer and I wondered where they went during winter…. The world is going to shits with all these people wanting to be rich and humanity going down the drain. Society world wide needs to change ASAP! 🙏🏽