Almost 3000 places for refugees in hotels and hostels
Berlin is relying much more heavily on hostels and hotels to accommodate refugees than initially announced. There are currently 2,912 places (as of November 13), according to the Senate Department for Social Affairs and Integration. Around three quarters of these are occupied. Social Affairs Senator Cansel Kiziltepe (SPD) had announced at the end of September that by the end of the year around 1,500 places for refugees would be available by renting rooms in hotels and hostels. The target number has already been far exceeded.
There are now contracts with a total of eleven establishments. According to the social welfare administration, the offer ranges from a few single rooms to multi-bed rooms that are used by six people, for example. Accommodation in hostels and hotels is the cheaper alternative compared to large accommodation facilities such as those on the site of the former Tegel airport. The average daily rate for accommodation in hostels and hotels is currently 57 euros.
The social administration did not provide any information on the comparative value for accommodation in Tegel. "However, one thing is certain: based on the monthly costs of several million for the arrival center in Tegel, two modular accommodations could be built in Berlin every month."
The social administration points out further advantages of renting rooms: "From the refugees' point of view, everyday life in the hostels is rather quiet, they have their own bathrooms and some have kitchens." This makes life easier for people, but it is not a long-term solution. The capacities are only available for a limited period of time due to the time constraints in the contracts.
"Accommodation in hostels and hotels is only an emergency solution, as is the construction of large-scale accommodation," said Social Affairs Senator Kiziltepe. "That remains true: Successful integration requires decentralized accommodation." The Senate is therefore sticking to its goal of building modular accommodation for refugees that is integrated into the neighborhoods. "In this way, we will increase the supply of affordable housing for all Berliners in the long term."
The Senate's reliance on hostels and hotels for refugee accommodation has significantly surpassed initial expectations, with 2,912 places currently available. This shift in strategy was necessary due to the Senate Department for Social Affairs and Integration exceeding the announced goal of 1,500 places by the end of the year. In light of this migration surge, Senate Member Cansel Kiziltepe (SPD) emphasized that while hostels and hotels provide a temporary solution, successful integration requires decentralized accommodation.
Source: www.dpa.com
