The number of homeless people in Bonn has increased almost tenfold since 2011. And the population will continue to grow strongly in the future. However, the housing market will not be able to meet this demand in the current situation. This is where the work of the Bonn offensive comes in: Prevention, housing acquisition, networking. Cooperation between administration, welfare associations, the real estate industry, the health sector and politics is required. The kick-off event for social infrastructure and the housing industry, to which the City of Bonn's Office for Social Affairs and Housing had invited on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at the Welthungerhilfe premises, is intended to provide further impetus for improved cooperation.
According to the City of Bonn's Office for Social Affairs and Housing, early intervention is needed to prevent people from losing their homes or becoming homeless. "Regular rental markets must be opened up for people who are currently homeless or homeless to enable them to return to the mainstream of society. New affordable housing must be created for everyone. The fact that every second household in Bonn is entitled to a housing entitlement certificate illustrates how urgent the issue of housing is and not only affects people on the margins of society," said Mayor Katja Dörner. "I want to live in a city that provides housing for everyone, regardless of their origin," said the Mayor, describing her wish for a Bonn worth living in.
Overcoming exclusion
"Currently, homelessness assistance is a catch basin for all those who are excluded from social participation for a variety of reasons. This exclusion can only be overcome with the support of many in urban society," appealed Anja Ramos, Head of the Department of Social Affairs and Housing, to the guests at the meeting.
After welcoming the guests, project manager Munirae Gharevi-Kox presented the work done so far by the Bonn Offensive office, which was set up in March 2023 and commissioned by the City of Bonn. Bettina Schelkle, Head of the Protestant Diakonie Foundation in Herford, then explained the "Herforder Gesamthilfesystem" project as an example of best practice. The "Herford overall assistance system" includes preventative help to avoid losing a home as well as accommodation in the event of acute homelessness and help with finding new housing.
The interdisciplinary exchange in small groups then focused on interface work with homelessness assistance. This required the expertise of all the people and groups involved. The results should lead to formats for cooperation between the various disciplines. Concrete working structures will be used to improve future processes so that they benefit those at risk of homelessness or who are already homeless and need help.
The City of Bonn and the Bonn Offensive office will continue to report on future results.