Change of home: Protests for refugee accommodation in Norderstedt!

Change of home: Protests for refugee accommodation in Norderstedt!

The discussion about the use of former care facilities as refugee accommodation beats higher waves, not only in Hamburg, but throughout Germany. While one side speaks of a necessary answer to the refugee crisis, others are outraged by the "home exchange", which is partly associated with massive protests. The former “Haus Rosengarten” in Norderstedt is also affected, which is now being redesigned two years after its closure to the accommodation for refugees, as reports Exxpress.at

The situation in Hamburg is similarly tense. In St. Georg, a former nursing home is converted to accommodate refugees in need of care. This conversion raises questions: Where are the former residents, and what about the social structures that such institutions should offer? The pressure on the municipalities of adequately accumulating refugees is enormous - especially since the increase in the number of asylum seekers in recent years.

refugee accommodation in motion

But what exactly happens in the accommodations? In Germany, these institutions are often viewed as short -term solutions in order to meet the needs of refugees, asylum seekers and victims of human trafficking. From barracks and containers to converted schools and hotels, there are a variety of different forms of accommodation that are used to create a place for the newcomers. According to [Wikipedia] (https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fl%C3%BCchtlingszunstung_ (Germany)), the accommodations are a necessary part of the asylum procedures, with the first two to six months in initial reception facilities before a further distribution takes place.

As the Diakonie Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein note on their website, help offers for migrants and refugees in Norderstedt are particularly in demand. However, the conversion of facilities encounters resistance, especially when it comes to retirement homes that were a home for many. The case of a senior citizens' center in Leonberg, which was cleared for refugees, causes a sensation and demonstrates how sensitive the topic is. The residents protest and speak of a "thrown out" of the old residents in favor of the new tenants.

The challenges of integration

The discussion about better standards in refugee accommodation becomes louder. Basic regulations vary from state to state. Many refugee councils require binding minimum standards for accommodation, especially in order to meet the increasing number of asylum seekers. There were always reports on inadequate living conditions and security problems in the facilities that often do not meet the minimum requirements.

The Leverkusen model, on the other hand, shows an innovative approach by encouraging refugees to independently search for apartments. This could be a way to promote integration and counteract consumer problems. These different approaches and structures illustrate how diverse and complex the challenges in the accommodation and integration of refugees are.

The debate about the use of former care facilities will accompany us for a long time. The combination of social obligations towards older people and the urgent needs of the refugees will be a central challenge in the coming time. It is to be hoped that solutions will be found that are portable for all sides.