For social workers, the work context of assistance for the homeless is associated with special occupational health risks, including burnout. This article presents the results of a qualitative study for which six social workers of two homeless aid organisations from the German city of Kassel were interviewed about their job demands and resources. In the guideline-based interviews, they report on complex requirements, high case numbers and staff shortages. There are also major bureaucratic and structural problems. The work content is emotionally stressful for the social workers. To protect themselves from stress, they have developed a variety of coping strategies. The ability to set boundaries during and after work is especially important. Workplace health promotion and supervision are perceived as helpful. The interviewees reported the importance of displayed support for their work. Younger social workers and women are often faced with role conflicts and conflict situations. The Covid-19 pandemic increased the workload. It is necessary to strengthen resources and to reduce health risks, so that both the system of aid and the social workers remain able to act.