Mohammed Isa Al Abbasi 
Friday, March 14, 2025 – 04:00
As part of a series of women’s tales published by the German newspaper “TAZ”, the writer Yasmine Carlagkal tells us about a distinguished women’s figure in Cologne. To bring readers closer to this lady and the world of homeless women, the aforementioned newspaper published an article on his silence in the worlds of social phenomena in Germany.
A trip from homelessness to hope
Linda Renings is a social activist who has devoted her life to supporting homeless women, drawing her strength from her personal experience with homelessness. She spent five years without shelter, including a full year on a cemetery in Cologne, where she found herself in a difficult confrontation with life. But this experience did not break it; Rather, she led her to discover her true message: providing hope and assistance to women who live in harsh conditions.
Establishing the “Holding Unit in Cologne”
In 2014, Linda established the “House of Mobilization in Cologne”, which works to provide practical and emotional support to homeless women. The association’s services include shelter and medical care, in addition to innovative initiatives such as allowing women to bring their dogs as accompanying protection and safety.
Public toilet challenges
Among the issues that recently sparked the interest of Linda is the issue of the new public toilets in the “Fenner” Square in Colonia-Molheim. Although it came as an alternative to temporary facilities during the Korona pandemic, its design sparked widespread controversy due to its lack of privacy, as the doors contain large holes from the top and bottom. “How can a woman use these toilets while everyone can see her? This is absolutely unacceptable. ”
Displaced women … invisible suffering
Linda notes that homeless women often remain unusual in society. When women lose their homes, they usually resort to staying in knowledge or relatives in what is known as hidden displacement, which puts them in fragile dependence relationships. “Women are trying to be as not as attention as possible,” says Linda.
A book documenting pain and hope
In her book, “The Street rebel … female and homeless”, Linda highlights the reasons that lead people to homelessness, especially women. In an influential and honest manner, describing how the absence of support in the most difficult moments can push a person to the street. The book is not just a narration of its personal experience, but rather an invitation to understand a deeper understanding of the suffering of the homeless and the search for real solutions to their problems.
A message of hope and a call for change
Despite the health challenges it faces due to a chronic pulmonary disease, Linda continues its work tirelessly to support homeless women and provide their basic needs; Like food, clothes and health care. Her personal experience made her a symbol of steadfastness and an inspiration for many who seek to overcome their crises. Through her work, association and influential book, Linda seeks to make a real change in the lives of the homeless and highlight their forgotten issues.
