Bremen, a city in Germany, is dealing with a severe lack of housing for refugees. Recognizing the urgency, the city's administration has allocated a substantial sum of around 11.5 million euros to combat this issue. The Senate and the Deputation for Social Affairs, Youth and Integration have announced these funds, with the Bürgerschaft's budget and finance committee set to give its final approval.
A notable portion of this investment, approximately 3.4 million euros, is dedicated to the renovation of the "Red Village" in east Bremen. Initially, it was anticipated that this project would cost 2.0 million euros for 130 places. However, due to unexpected damage to modular buildings in storage and subsequent expenses like reinstalling the electrical system, the total estimated cost has now swelled to around 5.4 million euros.
Around 3.8 million euros will be allocated for modernizing and extending the lease of an existing temporary living space utilized by the municipality of Bremen. By optimizing the layout of this facility, 28 additional accommodation places will be created. The sharp increase in refugee numbers from Ukraine has been cited as a primary reason for this space requirement.
Approximately 4.3 million euros will be used to rent additional living spaces on the grounds of Klinikum Mitte. These facilities, part of the initial reception system, will remain available until the end of 2025, as per the Department of Social Affairs.
Unfortunately, the city of Bremen is still struggling to find suitable locations for a new building or property in its portfolio to accommodate the 600 space deficit in the initial reception system. As a temporary solution, they plan to expand their existing initial reception site in the Hulsberg district with two additional lightweight halls and a supply tent, thereby increasing its capacity from 416 to up to 786 places.
In conclusion, the city of Bremen is wrestling with the challenge of providing adequate housing for refugees due to the increasing number of displaced individuals and the limited available resources. Their approach includes renovation and modernization of existing facilities as well as temporary rental solutions and expansion of existing infrastructure to create additional living spaces.
