Cologne is fighting against homelessness: SPD is calling for concrete immediate measures

Cologne is fighting against homelessness: SPD is calling for concrete immediate measures

Homelessness in Cologne is an urgent issue that is increasingly dominating public discussion. Many readers of EXPRESS.de have shared their experiences and opinions in this regard, and Cologne politicians are called upon to find solutions. Against this background, Claudia Walther, the co-chair of the Cologne SPD, has taken a clear stance on whether the problem can be solved through repression. She describes the situation as a social challenge and calls for pragmatic assistance and accommodation solutions. Together with mayoral candidate Torsten Burmester, the SPD is committed to safe and livable neighborhoods.

In order to counteract the complex problem of homelessness, the SPD has presented a five-point plan that takes strong action: This includes the establishment of a permanent city guard near Neumarkt and regular foot patrols by the public order office, which are intended to bring more presence on the streets. In addition, outreach social work is a central point in helping those in need directly. Additional drug consumption rooms are to be set up in the districts, and last but not least, humane accommodation for the homeless is required - 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 conducting since 2022 was completed by almost 20,000 people. A shocking 15,000 participants believe that not enough is being done for the homeless in the city, while just 5,000 feel their support is enough. A notable observation comes from Christine E., a former prison employee, who reports that some people volunteer to be arrested in order to have a roof over their heads and regular meals over the winter. This finding highlights the scale of the problem: homelessness is often accompanied by mental illness, and many people live on the streets without care.

In view of these challenges, the city of Cologne is calling for more contact points and support options for homeless people in order to offer these people a perspective. The initiative to overcome homelessness has also become more important at the German level. The national action plan, which was launched on April 24, 2024, pursues the ambitious goal of overcoming homelessness and homelessness in Germany by 2030. This plan requires close cooperation between the federal government, states, municipalities and actors from civil society and science.

Nationwide measures

Specifically, the federal government has announced record investments in social housing, which will rise to a whopping 21.65 billion euros by 2028. In addition, the housing benefit plus will be reformed: from January 1, 2025, the average housing benefit will be increased by 55 percent to 297 euros and the group of recipients will be expanded by 80 percent. These measures aim to improve the housing supply and significantly accelerate planning and approval processes.

The efforts are necessary because, according to reports, at least 1,300,000 people will have been homeless in Europe in 2024. Even for Cologne, where according to current figures an alarmingly high number of people live without a permanent address, it is essential that effective solutions are found before the problem escalates further.

A structured discussion about the future of homeless assistance and relevant measures is essential. Politicians must seek dialogue with those affected and experts in order to bring about truly effective change. Because as the saying goes: we can only do it together.

Further information on this highly topical topic can also be found at EXPRESS.de, as well as at Focus.de and on the pages of Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction.