- The significant surge in the nation's homeless population has become noteworthy.
The number of individuals residing in temporary or shared lodgings has nearly tripled in North Rhine-Westphalia since the start of 2022. As per federal data, the figure reached 105,120 by January 31, 2024, with North Rhine-West Westphalia's Social Minister, Karl-Josef Laumann (CDU), confirming to an SPD inquiry.
Nearly 40% of these individuals, amounting to 40,490, were below the age of 25, as per the report obtained by the German Press Agency in Düsseldorf. About a third of them were from the "couple with children" category.
Migration is the primary factor driving up homelessness
The significant rise in homelessness over the past two years is primarily attributed to ongoing migration trends, particularly as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as stated by Laumann.
"Overall, the federal statistics revealed a substantial increase in the number of individuals with foreign citizenship compared to the previous year," the minister added. This accounted for 86% of all recorded individuals. The rise can also be attributed to "improvements in data reporting in the third year since the implementation of the federal statistics."
Individuals with temporary housing and services offered by charities are included in the statistics, along with those who have a home but no permanent residence. This includes refugees who have completed their asylum applications but have yet to secure their own rental agreements.
People living on the streets and those experiencing hidden homelessness (like staying with acquaintances) are not included in the statistics. According to a sample-based study commissioned by the state social ministry, around 5,300 homeless individuals were living on the streets in NRW during the summer of 2021.
SPD: "A nightmare for children and young people"
The deputy chairwoman of the SPD state parliament faction, Lisa-Kristin Kapteinat, expressed shock at the numbers. "If children, young people, and young adults in North Rhine-Westphalia are homeless, we cannot simply turn a blind eye," she told dpa. "Even if they don't have to spend the night under a bridge, it's particularly troubling for children and young people not to know where they will spend the next night."
She reiterated that housing is a fundamental right. "Above all, children and young people require a secure place to live so they can grow up healthily." The tripling of homelessness figures is alarming. "The state government must finally take action in this regard."
The surge in homelessness has led to an increased demand for Housing options, as the number of individuals residing in temporary shelters continues to rise. Despite the rising figure of 105,120 homeless individuals in North Rhine-Westphalia by January 2024, only a portion of them are included in the federal statistics, with around 5,300 living on the streets during the summer of 2021 not accounted for.
