Alarming figures in Cologne: 24% of households live in poverty!

Alarming figures in Cologne: 24% of households live in poverty!

In Cologne, the shadow of poverty seems to be spreading ever further. According to a recent report by the Cologne Left, 24 percent of households in the cathedral city now live in poverty - a worrying number that has steadily worsened in recent years. EXPRESS.de asked various parties in Cologne about homelessness and begging. While representatives of the CDU, SPD, FDP and Greens have already taken a stand, the Left is now also speaking out and warning of a rapidly growing problem: homelessness.

A main reason for the increasing number of homeless people in Cologne is the tight housing market. Despite a concept adopted by the Cologne city council to combat homelessness, there is a lack of financial resources. The Left urgently calls for more municipal housing construction in order to create affordable living space. “If there is a risk of homelessness, apartments should be confiscated if no alternative apartments are available,” it says in their statement. Particularly noteworthy is the approach taken within the framework of the so-called “Housing First Model”.

A roof over your head: The Housing First concept

The principle of “Housing First” stipulates that homeless people receive permanent housing with full rights and responsibilities. This enables them to stabilize their life situation and experience self-determination. The concept was first launched in Manhattan in 1992 by the Pathways Housing organization and has now established itself as an important model in the fight against homelessness in Europe. A further step in this direction is the 2021 Lisbon Declaration, which aims to eliminate homelessness in the EU by 2030. ND Current explains that Housing First not only sees housing as a fundamental right, but also focuses on prevention and long-term solutions.

In Germany, the number of homeless people exceeded the frightening mark of over 532,000 in 2024, of which around 47,300 were actually living on the streets. There are many reasons for losing your home, with rent arrears being the top priority. Rental prices in large cities are also constantly rising and are putting enormous strain on households. By 2023, a quarter of disposable income will already be spent on housing costs, which will have devastating effects, especially for households at risk of poverty. Statista reports that the number of social housing units has almost halved since 2006.

Social challenges and demands

Not every homeless person is homeless at the same time; many live in inadequate accommodation or with relatives, a form of hidden homelessness. Over a third of homeless people have experienced violence, and many suffer from health problems, particularly addictions. Society reacts to these challenges in two ways: while some offer help, there are also calls for begging bans in inner cities.

In view of the alarming developments, the Left calls for access to the labor market and fair wages to be key to combating poverty. This is the only way to break the spiral of poverty. The current situation makes it clear that now more than ever it is time to seriously invest in affordable housing and necessary social projects.