Homelessness in Bremerhaven: Parking garages offer winter protection

Homelessness in Bremerhaven: Parking garages offer winter protection

The cold season has arrived in Bremerhaven and for many homeless people that means seeking shelter in parking garages. The media continually reports on the difficulties these people face. The cinema's parking garage in the city center has established itself as a popular retreat. “The theater garage is an important place to stay and sleep for some of them,” explains Thomas Jarchow-Koop, a street worker who is active in the city. Over 40 people are currently living on the streets in Bremerhaven, and finding places to sleep is becoming increasingly challenging in the winter cold butenunbinnen.de reports.

The general conditions are clear: homeless people find dry and warm shelter in parking lots and stairwells. Britta Stuve from the municipal company Stäpark emphasizes that these facilities are accessible around the clock. Cinema director Jürgen Thiel has already experienced that as temperatures drop, he can expect more homeless people in the parking garages. Still, he expresses concerns about possible blocking of emergency exits and leaving behind litter, which could lead to increased risk.

Additional accommodations

However, in Bremerhaven there are also alternative ways to escape the cold. In extreme weather conditions, accommodation such as the GISBU is available. These offer a protected space, but under strict conditions: alcohol, drugs and pets are prohibited. As the social welfare office informs, moving into these alternative sleeping spaces is the only way out of the oppressive situation for many homeless people.

The issue of homelessness is an urgent problem in Germany. According to information from Statista At the beginning of 2024, there were around 532,000 homeless people nationwide, with around 47,300 of them considered homeless. The reasons for this situation are varied, but rent arrears and the drastically increased rental prices in large cities play an important role. Rents in Germany are continually increasing, and the proportion of housing costs in many cases exceeds a quarter of disposable income.

Social reactions

The perception of homeless people varies. While some Bremerhaven residents are willing to help, there are also voices calling for begging bans in inner cities. Homelessness is a visible form of poverty that is often accompanied by violence and illness, including addiction problems. The number of unreported cases of hidden homelessness is high, as many of those affected live with relatives or in collective accommodation without actually having their own apartment.

The situation in Bremerhaven shows the complex interplay between hardship, human fate and the responsibility of society. During these dark winter months, donations for essential items such as food and drink are very important. Nathalie, a homeless woman, has already publicly asked for help. It is evident that the city as a community is required to not only find short-term solutions, but also to create sustainable prospects for homeless people.