Meet Petra: The Resilient Magazine Seller Finding Home in Hamburg's Edeka
Meet Petra, a resilient woman who has been selling magazines in Hamburg's Winterhude neighbourhood for the past three years. Despite facing numerous challenges, she finds solace and a sense of belonging in her daily routine at Edeka supermarket.
Petra's day begins and ends at the same spot, in front of Edeka, where she sells copies of Hinz&Kunzt magazine. She spends five to six hours there, six days a week, engaging in conversations with her customers about their shared love for football and dogs. Her loyal companion, Luna, a dog who is her 'whole world', is often by her side.
Petra's journey hasn't been easy. She receives Hartz-IV support and hasn't completed her apprenticeship. Before turning to magazine sales, she worked in bars and call centers. Her life took a turn when she lost her apartment three years ago, leading her to become homeless. Since then, she's been sleeping on friends' couches, finding temporary refuge in their kindness.
Despite her struggles, Petra finds contentment in her children, friends, and Luna. She's not one to shy away from challenges, and her determination is evident in her dedication to her sales spot, which she considers her 'home away from home'. She rarely takes time off, and even her dog food is provided by generous customers from the supermarket.
Petra's story is one of resilience and adaptability. Despite her struggles with homelessness and relationships, she finds joy in her daily routine and the connections she makes with her customers. Her greatest wish? To have her own apartment again, a stable home where she can build a life with Luna by her side.
