A recent federal report reveals that homelessness in Germany has reached alarming levels, with approximately half a million people lacking permanent housing.
Of these, over 430,000 reside in shelters or temporary accommodations, while around 60,000 are staying with friends or family. As of early 2024, more than 47,000 individuals were sleeping on the streets or in short-term shelters.
The report highlights rental debt as the primary cause of homelessness, impacting 36.8% of those affected. Other significant contributing factors include relationship breakdowns and job loss, each accounting for 14% of cases. Additionally, 12% of individuals become homeless after being released from prison, while 7% cite illness as a reason for losing their housing.
The overall number of homeless people in Germany has doubled since early 2022, with part of the increase attributed to the inclusion of Ukrainian refugees living in government-provided housing without formal rental agreements.
While government programs and charitable organizations offer temporary shelter, these options often lack privacy and security. In response to the growing crisis, the German government announced a national action plan in April 2024, aiming to eliminate homelessness by 2030. The plan includes funding for social housing, anti-discrimination measures in the real estate market, and support for individuals to access insurance and advisory services.
