Fatal incident in Schleswig homeless shelter – police are investigating!

Fatal incident in Schleswig homeless shelter – police are investigating!

A tragic event occurred in the municipal homeless shelter in Schleswig in the Schleswig-Flensburg district. On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, a body was found there, which prompted the criminal police in Flensburg to investigate. The city administration has not yet provided any information about the gender of the deceased or other details about this incident. The police have also not yet issued a statement. The incident has resulted in some residents of adjacent accommodation being temporarily relocated. The investigation is being carried out as a routine matter, while the city is already planning to increase staffing at the shelter to increase the safety of residents.

As the NDR reports, there are always headlines in Germany about violent deaths of homeless people. A look at 2022 shows that at least 16 such deaths were documented, although the number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher. Violence against homeless people often goes unpunished and few crimes are reported. Deadly violence can occur in shelters, during police operations or on the street, with the perpetrators often being homeless people themselves or unknown attackers.

The challenges of homelessness

Homelessness is a visible form of absolute poverty in Germany, especially in large cities. Loud Statista At the beginning of 2024, around 532,000 people in Germany were homeless, including around 47,300 homeless people. The main reason for losing your apartment is rent arrears, while rising rent prices are an enormous burden, especially in urban areas. Many view homelessness as a pressing issue that needs to be addressed urgently.

Almost two-thirds of homeless people have experienced violence, and many people struggle with health problems, particularly substance abuse. A large proportion of homeless people are homeless for a long period of time, which makes support more difficult. Support for these people varies: Some citizens show a willingness to help, while others call for a ban on begging in inner cities and have a negative impact on the view of homeless people.

A look into the future

The current situation shows that there is a need for action not only in Schleswig, but also nationwide. The city of Schleswig has already taken steps to improve care at the local homeless shelter. However, it is clear that society as a whole must do more to ensure the safety and well-being of homeless people.

In conclusion, given the many violent incidents, there is a great need for education and support. Politicians and society are called upon to create a safe and respectful environment for all people, regardless of their residential status. The taz documented this vividly in their reports.