Homelessness in Germany: Charity is not the solution

D Human dignity is inviolable. At least that’s what it says in the Basic Law. But if people have to sleep on the streets, it is undignified. Through our federal system there is 16 different police lawswhich in turn regulate accommodation differently to protect people. It doesn’t matter what nationality someone has. The goal: a roof over your head.

Many authorities are inadequately implementing this law. A Report commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Construction counted over 45,000 homeless people in Germany for 2024. These people live in immediate danger, especially in winter. However, the fact that people see them less on the streets at this time of year does not mean that the system works better in freezing cold. Rather, it is charity that is at work here: the security guard in the shopping center turns a blind eye, the train employee only shows the exit after the third round of the Ringbahn in Berlin, and the neighbor does not immediately call the police.

Everyone knows that homeless people risk freezing to death every day – sometimes people with apartments are lenient. But it should never be in the hands of individuals or dependent on their daily form to protect people from death. The fact that those responsible in the ministries are calling on the population to be vigilant is a farce. No, it is the responsibility of politicians to avert such an emergency.

Municipalities and cities provide protection from the cold for the homeless every year, with donations, emergency beds and improvisation. This cannot be a permanent situation. Instead of annual battles for funding The entire social sector needs reliable structural support so that the social institutions do not also have to fight for survival. The federal government must promise fixed and predictable funds for homeless assistance.