Hinz und Kunzt
Hinz&Kunzt is Germany's leading street magazine that gives homeless people a voice and offers them new perspectives through unbureaucratic employment. It promotes social responsibility and sustainability in Hamburg and supports its vendors comprehensively.
About Hinz&Kunzt
editHinz&Kunzt is Germany's best-selling street magazine, specializing in social policy, Hamburg topics, and culture. The magazine is created by professional journalists and sold on the streets of Hamburg by over 500 homeless, houseless, and people living in precarious situations. Hinz&Kunzt provides these individuals with a non-bureaucratic employment opportunity and promotes the social climate in the city by breaking down barriers and prejudices between the rich and the poor.
Mission and Values
editThe main mission of Hinz&Kunzt is to offer homeless individuals new opportunities and perspectives through self-help. The organization sees itself as a voice for the poor, as they often lack a lobby and their concerns are not heard. Hinz&Kunzt politically advocates for the interests of the poor and engages in lobbying to improve the living conditions of these individuals.
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editHinz&Kunzt places great importance on sustainability and social responsibility. The products in the Hinz&Kunzt shop primarily come from Hamburg companies and creatives who focus on quality, originality, and sustainability. The shipping of the products is often handled by former Hinz&Kunzt vendors who are now employed in distribution. These initiatives help finance the work of Hinz&Kunzt while also taking on social responsibility.
Support and Social Work
editHinz&Kunzt offers comprehensive support for its vendors, including social work, mailing addresses, money management, leisure activities, and assistance in dealing with authorities. The organization also acts as a guarantor or main tenant for apartments and manages these for the vendors. Additionally, work projects are initiated with cooperation partners such as “Spende Dein Pfand” at Hamburg Airport and “BrotRetter” with the bakery Junge.
An Inclusive Project
editHinz&Kunzt is an inclusive project that unites editorial, commercial, distribution, and social work under one roof. The distribution is the heart of the project, where the magazines are sold to the vendors and sales locations are arranged. The doors of the social workers are always open to help with addiction issues, financial worries, or finding accommodation.
Funding
editThe funding of Hinz&Kunzt comes one third from magazine sales and advertising revenues and two thirds from donations. The organization does not receive public subsidies and uses the income for ongoing business operations and special projects for the benefit of the vendors.
Hinz&Kunzt is more than just a magazine – it is a social project that offers people in need a perspective while also promoting social interaction in Hamburg.