Housing in Ulm: Thousands of people on the street!

Housing in Ulm: Thousands of people on the street!

In Ulm there is acute housing shortage - a fact that affects many people. Hans Liebanz and Anna Pakanova, who currently live on the street, meet particularly hard. After Liebtanz in 2023 was first looking for help as a homeless person at Caritas, he realized that the situation is becoming increasingly dramatic. "There is enough living space, but only at high prices," he reports. Caritas recorded over 500 homeless people last year, a number that has increased steadily since the Corona pandemic. The tense housing market even led to the emergency dormitory has 80 places, but they are permanently occupied. Many people are forced to live in inappropriate conditions while the winter break brings immediate dangers.

Andrea Gumpp from the Ulm city administration confirms the concerned situation, but also says that the situation is under control. Emergency accommodations are even temporarily set up in former parcel post halls to offer the homeless a dry place to sleep. Nevertheless, the reality is tragic for many: up to eleven people share a room in the DRK overnight home, and the hygienic conditions are anything but ideal. Liebtanz describes it as "bad air as if a hammer hits you on the head". The legal situation also makes it difficult to make a change. Many people who come to Germany from other EU countries do not find any access to necessary support.

The cultural background in Ulm

As a cultural stronghold, Ulm not only struggles with social problems, but also with his historical heritage, which goes back to the 17th century. The Theater Ulm , the oldest municipal theater in Germany, reflects this cultural depth. It offers various ensembles for opera, acting and ballet and is an important part of the city's cultural life. The updated situation of the homeless is in strong contrast to the traditional institutions that shape Ulm, and illustrates the urgent need to promote social justice and provide support for the needy.

Winter not only brings cold, but also the challenge of securing the well -being of people like Hans and Anna, who are desperately looking for a place they can call their home. The housing market remains tense, and despite all the attempts to improve the situation, there are many day, day out of frustrated faces that all hope for the same dream: your own apartment. As Liebanz says: "1.5 rooms would be enough. I want to pay for it alone." The hopes for a better life remain, even if the reality remains dark.