Homeless Individuals Secure Apartments via Bremen's Model Program: 33 People Now Housed
The "Housing First" project, a collaborative initiative by Wohnungshilfe Bremen e.V. and Hoppenbank e.V., began in 2021 with the aim of providing permanent housing to homeless individuals and offering support services as needed. The project, initially planned for a two-year framework, has been adjusted to continue beyond its original duration.
The Housing First approach is an internationally recognised model, prioritising permanent housing as a means to address homelessness. In Germany, while some cities have implemented and piloted the Housing First program, often with local and federal funding, a consistent, nationwide regular funding has yet to be established.
Despite the lack of explicit up-to-date data on the current funding status of the Housing First project in Germany, recent political developments under Chancellor Merz indicate increased government willingness to invest in infrastructure and social programs, which could theoretically include social housing and homelessness initiatives, pending parliamentary approval.
In the city of Bremen, an estimated 500 to 600 people live without permanent housing, according to social workers. The project is designed for those who have not accepted previous support offers, have addiction or mental health issues, cannot overcome bureaucratic hurdles, or have poor physical condition or chronic illnesses. Refusing housing-related support over time does not lead to losing the apartment, and housing loss and relocation will not lead to the termination of support.
The project has shown improvements in living situations for some participants, but in other cases, participants became aware of their own needs only after moving into the apartment, requiring more intensive social pedagogical support. In some cases, mental impairments, addictions, or social conflicts worsened after moving into the apartment.
By the end of 2023, 33 of the 42 people taken in through the Housing First project had their own leases for accommodation. However, the success of the project is considered "relatively uncertain" by some, with one participant returning to homelessness.
A more secure long-term perspective for the project is hoped to bring greater stability to both coordination and housing support. A waiting list for the project exists, highlighting the ongoing demand for such initiatives. Personnel continuity is particularly important for the relationship-building work in the project, but high personnel turnover has been a challenge due to the time-limited nature of the project.
A report commissioned by the State of Berlin on the regular funding of "Housing First" is expected by the end of 2024, which may provide more insight into the project's future in Germany. Despite its challenges, the Housing First project remains a significant step towards addressing homelessness and improving the lives of those in need.
The Housing First project in Bremen, despite its challenges, has shown a need for increased investment in personal-finance support for homeless individuals, as some participants require more intense social pedagogical support after moving into their homes. With the recent political developments under Chancellor Merz, there is a theoretical opportunity for national funding to back social housing and homelessness initiatives like the Housing First program.
