"Persistent issue over time"
Homelessness in Germany is a long-standing issue that continues to pose a significant challenge. According to the first nationwide homelessness report published by the federal government in December 2022, approximately 263,000 people in Germany do not have their own apartment.
The report, which covers the year 2022 and surrounding years, reveals a complex mix of socio-economic and political factors contributing to homelessness. Major causes include lack of affordable housing and social housing, poverty, unemployment, and challenges relating to migration and asylum processes. Social housing units in Germany have been declining, with about 1.07 million units in 2023, the lowest in years, impacting low-income groups and increasing housing difficulties.
The largest group of homeless people in Germany, as per the report, is those living in temporary accommodations, totaling 178,000. This includes people living on the streets, emergency shelter stays, and those temporarily living with friends or family (so-called "couch surfing"). Hamburg, for instance, has the highest homelessness rate among German major cities, with 19,000 people without accommodation.
The report also sheds light on the chronic nature of homelessness in Germany. The average duration of stay for people in public accommodations is two years and eight months. Shockingly, 61 percent of the homeless in Germany have been in shelters for more than a year.
Homeless women are more vulnerable and frequently victims of sexual violence compared to men. The Diakonie refers to Hamburg as the "capital of homelessness." More than half of homeless people suffer from chronic illnesses, and 68% of homeless people have been victims of violence.
The situation is particularly concerning for covertly homeless individuals, who sleep on friends' couches. Around 49,000 people in Germany are covertly homeless, with women significantly more represented, accounting for 40%.
In an effort to address this pressing issue, the European Union, the federal government, and the federal states aim to eliminate homelessness by 2030. From 2023, a "National Forum on Homelessness" will be established, and the federal government will develop a "National Action Plan" to address homelessness.
It is important to note that there are no precise official nationwide statistics on the total number of homeless people in Germany for 2022. Estimates exist, but official federal data is limited, partly due to differences in counting methods and definitions used by federal, state, and local authorities. Homeless deaths due to freezing are tracked less formally, with around six such deaths reported in winter 2023/24, similar to the previous year, but these are based on media reports with recognized underreporting.
Despite these challenges, the report serves as a crucial step towards understanding and addressing the complex issue of homelessness in Germany. The establishment of the National Forum on Homelessness and the development of a National Action Plan offer hope for a future where everyone in Germany has a safe and secure place to call home.
[1] https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/soziales/obd-soziales/soziales-laesst-sich-nicht-allein-auf-die-kommunen-abhangen-1815564 [2] https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/fluechtlinge/fluechtlingspolitik/bundesregierung-und-fluechtlinge-1815584 [3] https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/soziales/obd-soziales/soziales-laesst-sich-nicht-allein-auf-die-kommunen-abhangen-1815564 [4] https://www.destatis.de/DE/Themen/Gesellschaft-Umwelt/Bevoelkerung/Zusammensetzung/migrationshintergrund.html
- The report on homelessness in Germany, published in December 2022, highlights a blend of social, economic, and political factors contributing to this persistent issue.
- Factors such as lack of affordable housing, poverty, unemployment, and challenges related to migration and asylum processes are key contributors to homelessness in Germany.
- The report reveals a distressing statistic - approximately 61% of homeless individuals in Germany have been living in shelters for more than a year.
- Mental health and wellness are significant concerns among the homeless population in Germany, with 68% having been victims of violence and more than half suffering from chronic illnesses.
- In an attempt to address this pressing issue, efforts are being made at the European Union, federal, and state levels, including the establishment of a "National Forum on Homelessness" and the development of a "National Action Plan" to eliminate homelessness by 2030.
