Positive balance of the refugee accommodation in Saarbrücken – neighbors happy!

Positive balance of the refugee accommodation in Saarbrücken – neighbors happy!

An exciting chapter in refugee accommodation is currently being opened in Saarbrücken. The former Willi Graf House, which until recently served as a home for senior citizens, was converted into refugee accommodation at the beginning of April 2025. As the daily news reported, there is already a positive initial balance. The neighborhood appears quiet and relaxed, and there have been no problems or complaints to the city so far. There has also been no active police presence so far, which could allay the concerns of many residents.

There are currently 49 people living in the accommodation, most of whom come from Syria and Afghanistan. These include 35 families and 14 single men. There are still around 30 places available for individuals, but the capacity for families has already been exhausted. In this context, the neighborhood is planning a festival to which all residents and volunteers are invited to promote exchange.

Controversies and citizen initiatives

But not everyone sees the matter as unproblematic. In the run-up to the opening, a citizens' initiative was formed that spoke out against the establishment of a refugee home with over 1,100 signatures. Marion Moreno, a spokeswoman for this initiative, expressed her personal fears and reported on tenants who want to move out when the refugee home opens. Interestingly, this initiative was interpreted as racist, which further fueled the heated discussion in the city. Apollo News highlights that the initiative cites current crime statistics and raises concerns about safety, particularly of women.

The city administration, however, emphasizes that it is in close contact with the responsible committees and that further information regarding the rental of a new refugee home in the city center, which will accommodate 90 people, will be announced shortly. This plan came as a surprise to many residents and city council members when it became public in July last year.

A look into the future

How this complex situation will develop is uncertain. The city of Saarbrücken is faced with the challenge of taking into account both the concerns of refugees and the concerns of local citizens. Integration in the Willi-Graf-Haus currently seems to be progressing gradually. The openness and positive mood among the neighbors invites a dialogue that brings with it numerous opportunities and challenges.

Nationwide refugee policy also plays a role in this sensitive issue. The federal government has taken numerous initiatives to make it easier for refugees to integrate into society, as can be read on the website of the Federal Ministry for Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth BMBF.

Saarbrücken shows that everyone at home and abroad actually wants the same thing: peace and a safe home. The coming weeks will show whether this community can promote exchange or whether the conflict will rise to new heights.