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

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

Köln, Deutschland - In Cologne, the shadows of poverty seem to spread. According to a current report by Cologne left, 24 percent of households in the cathedral city now live in poverty - a worrying number that has continuously deteriorated in recent years. Express.de asked various Cologne parties about homelessness and begging. While representatives of the CDU, SPD, FDP and the Greens have already taken a position, the left is now speaking and warns of a rapidly growing problem:

A main reason for the increasing number of homeless people in Cologne is the tense housing market. Despite a decided concept to combat homelessness by the Cologne city council, there is a lack of financial resources. The left urgently demands more municipal housing to create affordable housing. "In the event of impending homelessness, apartments should be confiscated if there are no replacement apartments," says their statement. The approach, which is pursued as part of the so-called "Housing-First model".

a roof over the head: The Housing-First concept

The principle of "Housing First" provides that homeless people receive an indefinite apartment with full rights and duties. This enables you to stabilize your life situation and experience self -determination. The concept was first launched in 1992 in Manhattan by the Pathways Housing organization and has now established itself as an important model in the fight against homelessness in Europe. Another step in this direction is the Lisbon explanation of 2021, which pursues the goal of eliminating homelessness in the EU until 2030. Housing first not only sees living space as a fundamental right, but also relies on prevention and long -term solutions.

In Germany, the number of homeless people exceeded the terrifying brand of over 532,000 in 2024, of which around 47,300 actually lived on the street. The reasons for the loss of apartment are diverse, with rent debts being in the top. The rental prices in large cities also climb incusingly and put a lot of burden on households. A quarter of the available income is already in 2023, which has a devastating effects, especially for households at risk of poverty.

social challenges and demands

Not every homeless person is homeless at the same time; Many live in inadequate accommodations or with relatives, a form of hidden homelessness. Over a third of the homeless have already experienced violence and many suffer from health problems, especially addiction. Society reacts split to these challenges: While some help offer, there are also demands for begging bans in the city centers.