- Approximately 227 individuals experiencing homelessness were granted shelter.
From the Streets to Their Own abodes: Through the "Housing First" initiative, Berlin-based organizations have secured homes for 227 homeless individuals up until now. The German Press Agency reports that 204 leasing agreements have been facilitated, as confirmed by a social administration representative.
The Housing First project, launched in October 2018, aims to provide short-term housing options to homeless individuals without requiring them to meet specific prerequisites like financial management or addiction recovery. Regrettably, many struggles in accomplishing these requirements. Housing is merely the first step; these individuals are also offered pedagogic and psychological assistance afterwards.
Impressive Successes despite Tough Housing Conditions
Despite the complicated housing market, successful apartment acquisitions are not uncommon. Recently, a woman who had been living on the streets for years was able to secure her own apartment in Zehlendorf. She will also be reunited with her children, as announced by Housing First on Facebook. "Berlin-Zehlendorf, newly constructed building, first occupancy, three rooms, all for less than 800 euros. Of course, she will continue to receive assistance from our multiprofessional team in all areas as needed and desired. Everyone involved is elated," they added.
Housing First was initially piloted for two projects from October 2018 to September 2021. The primary contributors were Neue Chance gGmbH, Berliner Stadtmission (for the Housing First Berlin project), and the Catholic Women's Social Service. These initial projects accounted for the majority of the 174 leasing agreements, according to the social administration. Subsequently, four more organizations started projects last year: the Phinove association, the Berlin Gay and Lesbian Counseling Center, the ZIK gGmbH, and My Way Social Services, each with different focus groups.
Challenges for New Initiatives
In recently launched projects, the allocation of apartments is gradually increasing as stable partnerships with property owners must be established in the initial stages of a project.
Approximately 3,000 homeless individuals reside in Berlin, either entirely or partially. The initial count from early 2020, which estimated 2,000 homeless people, is widely regarded as unreliable. Experts believe that a larger number is impacted.
Facebook Page of Housing First Berlin
Housing First Berlin on Facebook
The success of the Housing First initiative, as demonstrated by the 227 homeless individuals provided with homes, has been commended despite challenging housing market conditions. This social policy has led to significant improvements, such as a woman living on the streets for years securing an apartment in Zehlendorf and reuniting with her children.
The successful implementation of the Housing First project has been a collaborative effort, with primary contributors like Neue Chance gGmbH, Berliner Stadtmission, and the Catholic Women's Social Service, along with four more organizations that joined last year.
