Number of homeless is increasing: Diakonie in Neumünster raises the alarm!

Number of homeless is increasing: Diakonie in Neumünster raises the alarm!

Neumünster, Deutschland - The city of Neumünster is faced with a worrying development: the number of homeless people is steadily increasing. This is not an isolated phenomenon-there are around 800 offers of help nationwide that serve people in housing shortage, as the Diakonie . In Neumünster, between 250 and 300 people were housed annually in the overnight stay on the gas road alone, which are dependent on emergency aid. However, the overnight stay offers only 25 beds, which illustrates the urgency of the Situation.

The approximately 120,000 euros that the city of Neumünster annually for the outpatient residential care of Diakonie Altholstein invested, the endeavors show that people protect people from loss of apartment. The central advice center for people in housing shortage (ZBS) has established a program for outpatient residential care since 2019, which has switched from a project phase to a continuous offer. Here, clients are intensively accompanied over a period of at least six months, which leads to concrete successes: in 2024, six rental contracts were successfully handed over. A total of 46 apartments have been rented and sublet since the beginning of the program.

challenges and solutions

In today's society, many are threatened by homelessness, be it through economic emergencies, rent debts or personal crises. Often it is also psychiatric abnormalities and addiction problems that lead to people left untreated. ZBS relies on interdisciplinary cooperation in order to offer the best possible support. The challenge here is not only the legal and social support, but also to reduce prejudices and take bureaucratic hurdles.

What good is the best help if people don't know where they can find support? This is exactly where the role of Diakonie becomes a central point of contact. In addition to housing care, she offers advice in men's and family counseling, criminal assistance and women's advice. The clients also receive support in finding an apartment and applying for social benefits to take fundamental fears of existence.

the look into the future

DIEKONIE and the city of Neumünster rely on a national action plan to eliminate homelessness and homelessness by 2030. Funding and changes in the law are essential for this. At the same time, it is important to strengthen social housing and reduce structural discrimination on the housing market. Because as the Diakonie , there is a clear municipal obligation to accommodate homeless people.

Everyone can support the commitment of the diakonia by donating. Whether privately, as a company, parish or educational institution - the opportunity to help with a donation is always given. Interested parties can find more information about the donations at this link .