In Germany, approximately 50 thousand people are fighting for survival right on the streets. This was stated by the chairman of the Association for Helping the Homeless in Germany (BAGW), Sabine Besing.
According to the Federal Statistical Office, as of January 31, there were about 474.7 thousand people in shelters and temporary accommodation centers. This figure does not include those living on the street or those who temporarily stayed with relatives and friends.
According to the government report “Homeless”, prepared in 2024, about 60.4 thousand people lived with relatives, and another 47.3 thousand on the street. Thus, the total number of homeless people in the country, according to official data, is 582.4 thousand people.
Besing noted that an accurate count of those living on the street is impossible. “We only have estimates and forecasts, there is no real exact figure. Government statistics only reflect the number of people who spent the night in institutions on a given day,” she said.
The BAGW Chairwoman indicated that the Association conducts its own research twice a year, the results of which will be published in November. “According to our estimates, about 50 thousand people are already forced to live on the streets,” she said.
According to her, among the homeless there are also working people. “About 10% are those who have jobs, but at the same time sleep in shelters. They regularly go to work, mainly in low-paid sectors, but cannot find housing on the market. This is an alarming signal,” the chairman noted.
Besing noted that one of the main reasons for the increase in the number of homeless people in the country is the shortage of social housing.
“Public housing apartments are gradually losing their status as social housing, and new construction is not making up for the shortage. Therefore, there are simply no affordable apartments for everyone,” she emphasized.
Housing policy to provide social housing, in her opinion, has been ignored for a long time, and this has intensified the crisis.
“Increasing poverty also plays a role. The gap between rich and poor in society is widening, and, as a consequence, the number of people who do not have sufficient income for a normal life is growing. The cost of living and rent are constantly rising,” the chairwoman explained.
In addition, Besing praised the government’s goal of ending homelessness by 2030 as “an important signal,” noting that this issue should be a priority.