Homeless encampment under railway bridge receives increased assistance from our establishment
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In the city, a network of services is available to support homeless individuals, offering a range of aid from day centers and outreach programs to emergency housing and specialized shelters.
The services, which aim to provide concrete solutions for the homeless, include day centers and outreach programs that offer engagement, assessment, recovery-oriented treatment planning, and case management to help address social determinants of health and support housing navigation and tenancy preservation. Clinical consultations for eviction cases, mental health support, and counseling services are also integrated within programs like the Community Support Program and Tenancy Preservation Program.
Residential group homes mainly for adults with developmental disabilities and brain injuries, and supportive housing programs aimed at helping residents transition to community living are also part of the offerings. Multiple overnight emergency shelters for various populations, including men, women, veterans, young adults (14-24), families, and those with no beds available (drop-in shelters), are also available.
Specialized shelters, such as the Safe Haven Shelter for women, confidential domestic violence shelters with supportive counseling, legal advocacy, safety planning, and transitional and rapid rehousing services, are available 24/7 and do not discriminate based on background or location.
Additional support services, including income assistance, social security advocacy to help apply for federal benefits, utility rent assistance, family counseling, health services, and programs to support job training and mental health, are also offered.
A reception house for women (DRK) and overnight shelter in Frauenstraße (DRK) are being offered, as well as emergency housing at Mähringer Weg. The city is funding additional mobile social work through Caritas to continue personal conversations with the homeless people. A day center is being provided for the affected individuals, and counseling services are available for their use.
The city's goal is to pursue a socially acceptable approach with respect for those affected and in the interest of the general public. The planned removal of tents under the railway bridge has been postponed until August 20, 2025, following an exchange between Mayor Martin Ansbacher, the Social Affairs Department, the Citizen Services Department, and Katrin Vrkas, Director of the Caritas Homeless Assistance. The affected individuals have been personally informed about the time adjustment, and the city continues to provide targeted outreach to those affected.
Intensive information on existing aid offers will be provided to those affected in the coming days. The city staff visited the site on August 5 multiple times to assess the situation and ensure that all necessary steps are being taken to support the homeless individuals in the city.
- The city's policy-and-legislation towards addressing homelessness includes general-news coverage on the available services, such as day centers, outreach programs, and emergency housing, aiming to support housing navigation and tenancy preservation.
- Politics plays a role in the city's approach, with the officials prioritizing a socially acceptable solution, offering services like the Community Support Program and Tenancy Preservation Program, while also delaying the removal of tent encampments until August 20, 2025, following consultation with Caritas Homeless Assistance.
