Vienna Urbanites / Guidance through the network of social services

Quality of Life

Urban scouts: showing the way through the extensive social services network

When people face problems and uncertainty, they don’t always know how and where to find help. Often it requires a lot of time and resources to simply find out whom one can turn to. The mission of Stadtmenschen Wien is to shorten this search and provide, from the start, relevant information to people seeking help. Vienna offers an extensive network of social services through public institutions and organisations run by civil society or private initiatives. However, people who need support are often overwhelmed by the numerous social service institutions and struggle to find the right contact point for their problem. The Stadtmenschen volunteers know Vienna’s social services. In a non-bureaucratic manner they point citizens to the right social institution. Beyond that they help make and prepare for appointments with public authorities and assist in applying for financial support (e.g. Austria’s needs-based minimum benefit or housing assistance). Trained volunteers at six locations around the city provide consultation five days a week.