On the occasion of the nationwide Day of Homeless People this Friday, the Federal Working Group (BAG) for Homeless Aid is calling on politicians to take more decisive action. Sabine Bösing, the executive director of the organization, told the “Rheinische Post” that existing political measures are insufficient to effectively tackle the housing crisis. She added that if the federal government hopes to overcome homelessness by 2030, there needs to be more affordable and long-term social housing, effective control over rising rents, and better protection against eviction.
According to Bösing, prevention and assistance services for people in housing need must be expanded nationwide, and the National Action Plan against homelessness must be implemented consistently. She stressed that the focus should be on policies that prevent people from losing their housing in the first place, rather than on cutting social security support.
Meanwhile, Member of the Bundestag Emmi Zeulner (CSU), who serves on the Construction Committee, has described homelessness as one of the most pressing social challenges facing society. “We want to enable every person in our country to have a safe home, as this forms the basis for self-determined living and societal participation. We will continue to work intensively toward this goal,” she stated.
Zeulner simultaneously defended the government’s efforts. While improving prevention against losing one’s home and expanding low-threshold support services is vital, she argued that creating more affordable housing is the most crucial factor. She confirmed that the federal government is providing a record amount of 23.5 billion euros to the states for this purpose by 2029.
