Together against homelessness: Ottensen shows how it works!

Together against homelessness: Ottensen shows how it works!

In Ottensen, homeowners and people looking for an apartment have found a new home that not only offers a roof over their heads, but also communal living. Ahmad Karimi, who fled Afghanistan in 2021, has found a safe home on Friedensallee with his wife Romina and their three children. After arduous months in public accommodation in Hamburg, the family is happy about their new environment, which not only offers space to live but also an active neighborhood. A joint cleaning effort recently took place, with neighbors working hand in hand to spruce up the entire building, the outdoor areas and the bicycle storage area. Afterwards, a feast of Afghan and German specialties was served, which further strengthened social cohesion.

This living concept is an example of how living together can be successful, especially for people who often have difficulties on the rental market. It shows how active commitment and cohesion not only creates living space, but also a feeling of belonging. In a city where living space is becoming increasingly scarce, this concept is booming. The problem of homelessness is a serious social issue that not only affects Hamburg, but also poses major challenges for many cities in Germany.

The situation on the housing market

The Behrens Foundation reports that homelessness is exacerbated by a combination of poor housing policies, social exclusion and inadequate social services. Poor people and those in crisis situations, such as job losses or separations, are particularly hard hit. The probability of becoming homeless increases with the number of risk factors, and in regions with specialist offices for securing housing, those affected are less likely to be affected by rent arrears. This shows how important access to stable housing is.

The integration of refugees depends largely on this access. According to Difu, which regularly publishes the “OB Barometer”, municipalities are now realizing that an adequate supply of living space is essential, especially when it comes to accommodating and integrating immigrants. Despite a slight decline in immigration due to stricter controls, refugees in the country often face significant challenges. Over a million people have fled Ukraine since 2022, increasing pressure on the housing market.

Approaches to improving housing supply

A good example from Hamburg shows that municipal housing associations such as SAGA have only recently begun to specifically provide apartments for people with a secure residence status. Such initiatives could help bridge the gap between integration policy goals and their actual implementation. Collaboration between social organizations, volunteers and municipal institutions is also very important. These networks must be comprehensively expanded to make it easier for those affected to access housing.

At the same time, further anti-discrimination initiatives should be launched to reduce prejudices among landlords and improve the chances of refugees on the housing market. The possibility for refugee users to be involved in decisions about their living situation is a central aspect of effectively promoting integration. Long-established neighbors and new residents, like the Karimi family, can help establish a culture of togetherness and mutual support.

Overall, it is clear that access to affordable housing is of enormous importance not only for refugees, but for all those looking for housing. As the current developments in Ottensen make clear, a shared living arrangement can not only provide a roof over your head, but also create the basis for successful integration and a strong sense of community.

For more information about the challenges in housing supply, visit Behrens Foundation, the Difu and find out more about the exciting residential project in Ottensen Hinz and Kunz.