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Successful Housing First model: Hope for the homeless in Rhineland-Palatinate!
Rhineland-Palatinate supports homeless people with Housing First projects that show positive developments and ask for more funds.
Successful Housing First model: Hope for the homeless in Rhineland-Palatinate!
A positive trend is emerging in Rhineland-Palatinate: the innovative housing-first approach to supporting homeless people is being tested in five model projects and is receiving positive reviews from the traffic light state government. Loud n-tv To date, around 80% of participants have received secure housing. The success is also reflected in the improvement of the physical and mental health of those affected and the strengthening of their everyday structures.
State funding for these crucial projects has been significantly increased, from 247,000 euros in 2023 to 343,000 euros in 2024 to the planned 492,000 euros next year. The locations include Landau, Koblenz, the Westerwaldkreis, Zweibrücken and Neuwied. This progress is also evidenced by the support of FDP parliamentary group leader Steven Wink, who advocates for permanent financing and an expansion of the program to other regions.
The showcase project in Landau
Particularly noteworthy is the Caritas center in Landau, which received state funding to expand assistance for the homeless as part of the “Housing First in Rhineland-Palatinate” program. With an additional 1.5 positions, an attempt is being made to achieve the goal of actively combating homelessness in Landau. Dr. Maximilian Ingenthron, Mayor of Landau, emphasizes that normalizing housing conditions is the key to further offers of help. The specialist advice center for securing housing offers preventive support and is funded by both the state and the city Caritas Speyer reported.
The hope of these projects is great: “The ability to live independently is best developed under real living conditions,” is a central principle of the Housing First approach. Building on stable housing, participants receive support with individual problems such as addiction or unemployment, which dramatically increases the chances of a self-determined life. And the social association VdK also calls for the principle to be consistently implemented everywhere in order to do justice to those in need, including in rural areas.
The challenges at a glance
Nevertheless, the project sponsors face challenges, especially when it comes to finding accommodation for long-term homeless people. Loud AWO Koblenz It is crucial that the focus is on human acceptance, without prerequisites such as abstinence or therapies. This low-threshold approach is intended to enable those affected to live under real conditions and slowly stabilize.
A total of 63 people have already been accepted into the projects, while 59 are waiting on waiting lists. It is a clear message that is strengthened by feedback from many people involved: We must take action to not only manage homelessness temporarily, but to end it sustainably. The path has been paved; it is only up to the commitment of everyone involved to continue pursuing this new path.