Hamburg is fighting against homelessness: New social patrols for St. Georg!

Hamburg is fighting against homelessness: New social patrols for St. Georg!

In Hamburg-St. For Georg, there are signs of change. The Hamburg-Mitte district assembly has decided on a new measure to combat the problem of misery in the district. A team of social workers, social space runners and a district control service should show a targeted presence and provide targeted help to affected people. This is reported by the taz.

The essence of this initiative is to carry out regular “visit visits” to address homeless people and drug addicts in particular and to accompany them to support facilities. These corridors are primarily aimed at sensitive places such as the playground at St. Georg's churchyard as well as daycare centers, schools and Hansa-Platz. The proposal for the so-called “social strips” was passed by the SPD, Greens and FDP parties.

A ray of hope for those in need

A crucial background for this measure is the opening of a large aid facility at Repsoldstrasse 27, in the immediate vicinity of the main train station. This facility not only offers 30 emergency sleeping places, but also comprehensive advice, medical care and day-structuring offers. This is a bright ray of hope in times in which problems such as impoverishment, drug use and homelessness in St. Georg are becoming increasingly apparent NDR reported.

The SPD parliamentary group leader Oliver Sträter describes the need for action as urgent. “Gentle pressure must be applied to avoid drug use in sensitive places,” he explains. The plan calls for social work teams to patrol the neighborhood at least twice a week. The aim is to show people who openly use drugs ways to get help, such as the “Drob Inn” at the main train station.

The discussion about the right approach

However, the initiatives are not without controversy. Technical political debates are simmering among the parties. While the SPD, Greens and FDP advocate increased cooperation between social work and law enforcement, the taz from the loss of professional standards. The Federal Association of Street Workers expresses concerns that the quality of social work could suffer. There are also critical voices from the left-wing faction who fear that such measures could lead to the displacement of those affected.

Because the reality is different: In Germany, an estimated 678,000 people were homeless in 2018, a significant proportion of which were recognized homeless refugees. The numbers clearly show how complex the problem of homelessness is. The main reasons for homelessness are often rent and energy debts, separation or conflicts in the living environment, such as bpb reported.

If the measures are successfully implemented in St. Georg, this could also serve as a model for other parts of the city. It remains to be hoped that the new social strips can improve the quality of life in the district and offer those affected real prospects.