The Paritätische Gesamtverband, a leading German welfare association, has issued a stark warning regarding the imminent threat of hypothermia and death among the homeless population as a severe cold wave grips the nation. The organization is urgently calling on local and regional governments to provide significantly increased support and resources.
“The current cold snap presents an acute and life-threatening danger for individuals experiencing homelessness, demanding immediate and coordinated action” stated Joachim Rock, Chief Executive Officer of the Paritätische Gesamtverband, in an interview with the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland. His plea emphasizes the necessity of readily accessible and low-barrier emergency shelters, alongside adequate financial support for independent social service providers who are often the first responders in crisis situations.
Similar concerns were voiced by Verena Bentele, President of the VdK (Association of People with Disabilities), who argued that the vulnerability of individuals without stable housing or precarious living conditions necessitates swift access to safe and warm shelter accompanied by low-threshold support services. “No one in our society should be left unprotected from the cold” Bentele asserted.
However, the situation is arguably being exacerbated by the ongoing implementation of the planned “Grundsicherung” (basic income security) reform. Bentele explicitly stated that the reform, intended to streamline social welfare, risks further marginalizing vulnerable populations. The proposed stringent limitations on job centers’ contribution to housing costs and the possibility of completely deducting these costs in instances of sanctions, are predicted to intensify existing hardship and contribute to increased homelessness. Critics argue this policy shift fails to address the underlying systemic issues that contribute to social exclusion and instability, instead imposing punitive measures that disproportionately impact those already struggling to survive. The debate highlights a crucial tension: while authorities acknowledge the urgent need for immediate shelter, the underlying policies may inadvertently contribute to the problem, creating a cycle of dependency and marginalization.
