Cologne is fighting against homelessness: Kalle Gerigk demands solutions!

Cologne is fighting against homelessness: Kalle Gerigk demands solutions!

At Cologne's Neumarkt everything revolves around a topic that is increasingly becoming the focus of city politics: homelessness. With hundreds of emails and photos, public pressure has increased to remedy the problems in the city. Loud EXPRESS A panel discussion entitled “The Neglected City” was recently held by the Cologne Press Club e.V. The focus was primarily on the design and use of public space in a diverse urban society using the example of Neumarkt.

The event didn't just take place in the boardrooms - the discussion was preceded by a rally initiated by Kalle Gerigk, a rent rebel. Under the motto “End homelessness, not suppress it,” he called for a rethink in city policy. Gerigk sees homelessness as an expression of social inequality and called for people not simply to be pushed out, but rather to be given real support.

A look at reality

The reality for many homeless people in Cologne is depressing. Carol Teitz, who took part in the discussion, pointed out that in the city one can observe every day how homeless people live in inhumane conditions and often die as a result. Michael Neumann criticized the existing implementation deficits in the city when it comes to actually combating homelessness. Jens Reckort agreed with him and underlined society's tolerance for this misery, which, however, does not lead to a solution.

The challenges are numerous: from impoverishment and poor hygiene to dramatic health consequences such as isolation and drug addiction - the facets of homelessness are diverse and threatening. Studies show that homeless people are often discriminated against and pushed to the margins of society. These tendencies are increasing at a time when political movements like Pegida are attracting further social filth.

Innovative approaches from Cologne

An important step towards improving the current situation is the “Cologne Concept for Combating Homelessness”, which was presented by the city administration. As the city of Cologne reports on its website, the concept aims to prevent housing losses and improve support for people in housing need. Plans include, among other things, the establishment of a night café, the introduction of case management and a social housing agency that will support people in emergency accommodation in accessing the regular housing market.

Those from Dr. Harald Rau, councilor for social affairs, health and housing, are intended to expand the existing assistance system and make it more effective. A core goal remains to get homeless people into their own homes, incorporating the promising “Housing First” approach that seeks to actively address homelessness rather than simply manage it.

Time will tell whether the city of Cologne is on the right path. What is certain, however, is that the voices of the population are becoming louder and demanding real change. It is high time to see the challenges in combating homelessness as a task for society as a whole - because no one should be left out in the cold in a city like Cologne.