In Germany, a record number of people are homeless - 1.03 million

As of 2024, 1.03 million people were homeless in Germany, of whom about a quarter were children and adolescents. This data is provided by the BAG W association, which classifies homeless people as those who do not have a lease or ownership of real estate. Many of them live in refugee shelters or with relatives and friends. According to the association, about 56 thousand people were homeless in 2024.

Source Minfin

The causes of homelessness include rent arrears, conflicts with neighbors, divorce, and difficult financial situations. Most homeless people do not have German citizenship, which also complicates their situation. The German government is obliged to provide temporary shelter, but many people choose to live on the streets because they dislike the conditions in shelters.

In response to this crisis, at the end of April 2024, the German government presented a national action plan to address homelessness by 2030. It provides for public funding for social housing, combating discrimination in the real estate market, and other measures. However, experts emphasize that additional specific measures are needed to make a real difference.