HOUSING FIRST – A HOME AS THE FOUNDATION FOR DAILY LIFE

The number of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness has been steadily increasing for several years. At the same time, the availability of affordable housing continues to decline. This situation is creating significant challenges. It is becoming increasingly difficult to provide housing for people in precarious living situations and thereby enable them to participate fully in society.

This critical development has not bypassed the city of Neuwied. Homelessness is often triggered by personal crises and can affect anyone. Those affected report experiences such as illness, separation, job loss, addiction, or exposure to violence. More and more people lack the social and economic security needed to overcome such life crises on their own.

Since mid-2021, the Wirtgen Stiftungen, the local Caritas Association, and the City of Neuwied have been working on a concept aimed at opening up new prospects for the future for homeless people. In December, the joint project was launched based on the “Housing First” approach. Housing First means that homeless individuals are first offered dignified and secure accommodation with their own tenancy agreement. Starting from the stability of having a home as a solid foundation, additional challenges can then be addressed step by step.

The provision of the necessary housing by the Wirtgen Stiftungen forms the basis for implementing this social-scientific approach in Neuwied. With the support of individualized social work services provided by the Caritas Association, short- and long-term goals can then be developed and achieved together with the individuals concerned.

Despite the relatively short duration of this new project, initial successes are already becoming evident. To date, the Wirtgen Stiftungen have acquired four condominiums, two of which have already been rented out and handed over to their new tenants. Two homeless residents of Neuwied have been able to enter into regular, open-ended tenancy agreements.

Having a home of their own quickly led to improvements in their overall health and enabled them to achieve their first personal goals. With the security of a stable home as a foundation, both tenants have rediscovered and made use of their own skills and capabilities. As a result, reintegration into the labor market is now within realistic reach.

The foundation for a long-term partnership between the Wirtgen Stiftungen, the Caritas Association, and the City of Neuwied has been established, and the project partners plan to expand the program gradually in the coming years.