Women's shelter in Bremerhaven: lack of space despite planned expansion!

Women's shelter in Bremerhaven: lack of space despite planned expansion!

Bremen loves clear statements, but the reality in the Hanseatic city of Bremerhaven is somewhat different. There is an urgent problem here: the women's shelter is simply overcrowded. In the months of April and May 2023, 14 women affected by violence and a total of 36 people could not be admitted because all beds were occupied. The advisor from GISBU, which runs the women's shelter, notes that many women often have to stay with friends or relatives - not an optimal solution, as she emphasizes. In the worst case, forced accommodation such as guesthouses or hotels must be used, which benefits no one.

For over a decade, the Central Office for Equality for Women (FZS) and other initiatives have been campaigning for an expansion of the women's shelter. A city council meeting decided in 2022 to increase the number of beds from 17 to 30. But although the financing concept is now in place and a suitable building has been found to rent, there is a lack of financial support. Only 10,000 euros are budgeted for the women's shelter in the 2025 city budget - there is not enough money for the expansion.

Financial hurdles and support

The city of Bremerhaven is facing an enormous financial problem: Savings of 20 million euros are necessary as part of budget consolidation. To achieve this, fees for city services such as the city library or daycare meals will be increased, while at the same time no new staff can be hired. The city's voluntary tasks, which also include grants for anniversaries and the city theater, have been canceled. A deficit of over 30 million euros from the previous year makes the situation even more tense.

The coalition of SPD, CDU and FDP has called for the support of the state of Bremen. The issue of women's shelters was raised in the last budget debate, but given the many problems, only limited attention was given to it. However, representatives of the CDU parliamentary group continue to advocate for the expansion of the women's shelter and have submitted a revised concept. There are already funds in the 2024 budget for the expansion, but these have not yet been used. The prospect that the new building will be kept free until 2026 appears more than questionable. There will be no improvement in the financial situation in the coming years either - on the contrary, the city council must expect savings of 28 million euros.

Challenges for those affected

The difficulties in the support system for women affected by violence do not only affect Bremerhaven. Reports across Germany show that there is a lack of specific facilities for these women in many regions. According to a 2012 federal government report, around 90 districts in Germany do not have their own women's shelter. Offers are often inadequate, particularly in rural areas, and women sometimes have to wait a long time for a place or a consultation appointment. In addition, women with additional burdens - women with disabilities, psychological problems or mothers with older sons - are often at a great disadvantage.

The financial support system is often patchy. Many women rely on benefits under the Social Security Code (SGB) to cover the costs of their stay in the women's shelter. But this form of financing often excludes certain people - such as EU citizens or students. If it is necessary to move to another municipality, women are often turned away because reimbursement between municipalities is problematic.

The women's shelter in Bremerhaven not only offers shelter for women and mothers with children, but also advice and support in the event of imminent loss of housing or homelessness. Emergency rooms are available around the clock and admission takes place in various shelters in order to give the women a certain degree of independence. Important documents and personal items should be brought with you when you are admitted, but personal items can usually only be stored or transported to a limited extent.

The challenges are diverse, and even if there are bright spots such as the expansion of the women's shelter, there are many hurdles in the way. The city and its representatives must now work even harder to ensure that vulnerable women are no longer left behind. It is important to declare war on violence and to offer the women affected the urgently needed security and support. Together with initiatives like Diakonie Bremerhaven, it could be possible to give these women a better outlook for their future.