The number of homeless people is increasing: Diakonie in Neumünster sounds the alarm!

The number of homeless people is increasing: Diakonie in Neumünster sounds the alarm!

The city of Neumünster is confronted with a worrying development: the number of homeless people is constantly increasing. This is not an isolated phenomenon - there are around 800 support services nationwide that serve people in need of housing Diaconia reported. In Neumünster alone, the overnight shelter on Gasstrasse accommodated between 250 and 300 people a year who were dependent on emergency assistance. However, the overnight shelter only offers 25 beds, which illustrates the urgency of the situation.

The approximately 120,000 euros that the city of Neumünster spends annually on outpatient residential care Diakonie Altholstein invested show the desire to protect people from losing their homes. The Central Advice Center for People in Housing Need (ZBS) has established a program for outpatient residential care since 2019, which has changed from a project phase to a continuous offer. Here, clients receive intensive support 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 program began.

Challenges and solutions

In today's society, many are at risk of homelessness, be it due to economic hardship, rent debt or personal crises. Often it is psychiatric abnormalities and addiction problems that lead to people remaining untreated. The ZBS relies on interdisciplinary collaboration to offer those affected the best possible support. The challenge is not only legal and social support, but also breaking down prejudices and overcoming bureaucratic hurdles.

What good is the best help if people don't know where to find support? It is precisely here that Diakonie's role as a central contact point becomes clear. In addition to residential care, it offers advice in men's and family counseling, help for offenders and women's counseling. The clients also receive support in finding accommodation and in applying for social benefits in order to allay fundamental existential fears.

The look into the future

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

Every individual can support Diakonie's commitment through donations. Whether privately, as a company, church community or educational institution - you have the opportunity to help with a donation at any time. Those interested can find further information about donation options at this link.