Cologne fights against homelessness: SPD calls for specific immediate measures

Cologne fights against homelessness: SPD calls for specific immediate measures

Homelessness in Cologne is an urgent topic that increasingly dominates public discussion. Many readers of Express.de shared their experiences and opinions in this regard, and Cologne politics is required to find solutions. Against this background, Claudia Walther, the Cologne SPD co-chair as to whether the problem can be solved by displacement, has a clear position. It describes the situation as a social challenge and demands pragmatic aid and accommodation solutions. Together with the mayor candidate Torsten Burmester, the SPD is committed to safe and livable districts.

In order to counteract the complex problem of homelessness, the SPD has presented a five-point plan that tackles: This includes the establishment of a fixed city guard near the Neumarkt and regular foot stripes from the regulatory office, which are intended to bring more presence in the streets. In addition, excessive social work is a central point to help the needy directly. Additional drug use is to be set up in the districts, and last but not least, decent accommodation is required for homeless people-reference is also made to the 'Pascha' building.

an incessant problem

The problem of homelessness has been increasing in Cologne for some time. A long -term survey that Express.de has been carrying out since 2022 was filled out by almost 20,000 people. Shaking 15,000 participants believe that the city is not enough for homeless people, while only 5,000 find their support sufficient. A remarkable observation comes from Christine E., a former JVA employee who reports that some people are voluntarily arrested to have a roof over the head and regular meals over the winter. This realization illustrates the dimension of the problem: homelessness is often accompanied by mental illnesses, and many people live untruded on the street.

nationwide measures

The Federal Government has announced record investments in social housing, which will increase to a whopping 21.65 billion euros by 2028. In addition, the housing allowance plus is reformed: from January 1, 2025, the average housing benefit will be increased by 55 percent to 297 euros and the recipient group will be expanded by 80 percent. These measures aim to improve the housing offer and to significantly accelerate planning and approval processes.

The efforts are necessary, because according to reports, at least 1,300,000 people in Europe were homeless in Europe. Also for Cologne, where, according to current numbers, an alarming number of people live without a permanent residence, it is essential that effective solutions are found before the problem escalates.

A structured discussion about the future of homeless help and relevant measures is essential. Politicians have to seek exchange with those affected and experts in order to bring about a really effective change. Because how do you say so beautifully: only together we can do it.

Further information on this high-top topic can also be found at Express.de href = "https://www.focus.de/panorama/koelner-obdachlosen-machlimmer-limmer-glimmer-glimmen-beliert-verliert-verliert-verliert-verlierte_df7a-c35e--ba6e-f51260b12c18.html"> FOCUS.de and on the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building .