- Model project against homelessness expanded
Pilot Project "Housing First" for housing homeless people in Rhineland-Palatinate is entering its second round. According to the Social Ministry, it will be expanded to three more locations this year. Municipalities and welfare associations can apply for annual funding of up to 75,000 euros until September 15th.
Demand is high: 160 inquiries from affected individuals
Since 2023, the state has been funding the placement of permanently secured apartments for the homeless in the cities of Koblenz and Landau, as well as in the Westerwald district. Since then, according to the Social Ministry, 26 homeless people have been able to move into their own apartments. Furthermore, there have been 160 inquiries from those affected to participate in the projects.
The "Housing First" approach comes from the USA and places the housing placement at the beginning of the assistance process for homeless people. Having one's own apartment is supposed to be the basis for an individual stabilization process. Therapy or abstinence are not a condition for participation, the use of further support and counseling services is voluntary.
To accommodate the increasing demand, additional locations for the "Housing First" project are being considered. The prospective accommodations will provide a stable living environment for more homeless individuals, contributing to their overall stabilization process.
