Preferably Not Here on This Platform
In the heart of Cologne, Germany, a pressing issue has been gaining attention – homelessness. As the city grapples with this challenge, a shift in approach is emerging, prioritizing human rights and privacy for those affected.
The KVB, Cologne's public transport authority, has proposed a plan to close subway stations at night to prevent homeless individuals from sleeping there. However, this move is met with skepticism by many responsible people, who view it as treating homelessness as a problem rather than addressing its root causes.
Alternative solutions focus on housing-first approaches, community-based solutions, and privacy-respecting support services. These strategies aim to provide immediate access to permanent, safe housing without preconditions, combat stigmatization, and ensure confidentiality in social services.
For instance, housing-first programs eliminate the need for intrusive registration or assessments that might expose personal information. Decentralized, community-based housing integrated into neighbourhoods helps maintain privacy and dignity, allowing people to live more independently. Access to supportive yet confidential social services, such as healthcare, counseling, and legal aid, is also crucial.
Furthermore, the use of technology with privacy safeguards is essential when digital tools are employed, ensuring data protection and control over personal information. Policies developed with input from homeless populations guarantee respect for human rights and privacy, avoiding punitive measures like forced evictions or identity requirements.
These approaches align with broader discussions in Germany about addressing homelessness effectively and humanely, focusing on solutions beyond just emergency shelters to systemic support that respects dignity and confidentiality.
Unfortunately, no explicit Cologne-specific programs were detailed in the search results, but these principles are consistent with human-rights-based homelessness strategies promoted in Germany and Europe.
Meanwhile, the current state of homelessness in Cologne remains a concern. The city center has become uncomfortable due to the narrow alleys and streets, and the homeless are not to blame for this discomfort. A recent tragic event involved a homeless person who was kicked to death on the street in Ehrenfeld just before Christmas, highlighting the urgent need for action.
The KVB aims to offer a shuttle service to homeless shelters and a cold bus as an alternative, but social workers and homeless initiatives view these plans with skepticism. The city's political landscape also plays a role in this issue, with the current mayor of the city center, Andreas Hupke, launching an election alliance with a "not in my backyard" attitude towards social problems.
This "vibe shift" in the bourgeois center may reflect the political program of Andreas Hupke's election alliance, suggesting a change in perspective towards social issues. However, it is crucial that this shift prioritizes the rights and dignity of homeless individuals to ensure a more compassionate and effective approach to addressing homelessness in Cologne.
[1] Human-Rights-Based Homelessness Strategies in Germany and Europe. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/Human-Rights-Based-Homelessness-Strategies-in-Germany-and-Europe.pdf
[2] Housing First. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.housingfirst.de/en/what-is-housing-first/
