Homelessness between Moves and Dandelions
In 2025, homelessness in Germany remains a pressing issue, with over a million people lacking stable housing. While funding exists for broader social projects, no specific institutions currently back self-organised groups led by homeless individuals. Activists and researchers see both growing solidarity and rising concerns about how society views those without homes.
The FrauenSalon, a digital network for homeless women, recently held its first in-person meeting. Yet financial support for such initiatives is uncertain, leaving many unsure about the future.
Janina Berthold, a homeless woman, spent months living on trains using the Deutschlandticket. She noticed others doing the same, all trying to stay unnoticed. Berthold admitted feeling ashamed of her situation, avoiding anything that might make her appear homeless to escape judgement.
Stefan Schneider, founder of the Homeless Foundation, has campaigned for self-organised homeless groups since the 1990s. He warns that political trends from the U.S., where homeless people are increasingly seen as a 'nuisance', could spread to Europe. His fears echo concerns from others, like sociologist Khushboo Jain, who argues that homelessness isn’t just about shelter but also challenges capitalist and heteronormative ideas of 'home'.
Funding for homeless aid exists through programmes like the DFL Stiftung (up to €15,000) and the Welcome Alliance Fund (up to €100,000), with deadlines in 2025. State initiatives, such as NRW’s Sommerhilfen (€250,000 via Evangelische Sozialberatung Bottrop), also provide support. However, historical examples of self-organisation, like those from the Weimar Republic or post-WWII era, have no direct modern equivalents.
The FrauenSalon, where Berthold is active, plans to expand in-person meetings but faces financial struggles as current funding dries up. Despite challenges, activists describe a 'light at the end of the tunnel', pointing to small but growing signs of hope.
Official figures from the Federal Association for Homeless Assistance show 1.029 million people without homes in 2024, with 39% being women. Researchers and activists approach 2025 with mixed feelings—anxiety about societal shifts but also cautious optimism about increasing solidarity.
The situation for homeless people in Germany remains complex. While funding opportunities exist, they often don’t directly support self-organised groups. Activists continue pushing for change, but financial uncertainty and shifting public attitudes pose ongoing challenges.
The FrauenSalon’s first in-person meeting marks a step forward, yet its future depends on securing new resources. For many, the path ahead is still uncertain, despite small signs of progress.
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