New life in Mellrichstadt: Refugees are looking for work and happiness

New life in Mellrichstadt: Refugees are looking for work and happiness

Numerous people from different countries who have fled war and poverty live in the shared accommodation for asylum seekers in Mellrichstadt. Resat Tatli, a 43-year-old Kurd from Turkey, sought protection in Germany with his family a year and a half ago. After seven years in prison in Turkey for his support of the YPG, he hopes to finally find a German passport and work. His children attend the local school and the eldest daughter is pursuing a career as a dental assistant. “We want to work and not go to the social welfare office,” explains Tatli, who speaks fluent German. Nour Abdirisaag from Somalia, who has been living in the accommodation for two months, describes his homeland as characterized by violence and poverty. He hasn't seen his family in a decade and is in regular contact with them via cell phone.

Living conditions and support in accommodation

The shared accommodation was set up in a former vocational school in 2016 and currently offers space for around 100 asylum seekers. Around 85 people currently live in the facility, sharing a kitchen, toilets and common areas. Many of the residents work, for example in the Rhön Clinic or for cleaning companies. Manfred Bach, the property manager, emphasizes that the integration is working well overall and there are fewer conflicts than in the past. The asylum seekers are supported not only by the property management, but also by the local group of helpers who help the residents find their way around Germany better.

The SPD parliamentary group in Mellrichstadt recently visited the accommodation to find out about the current circumstances and challenges. Government Director Thomas Weingart emphasized the need for improved psychological care for asylum seekers. “There is a lack of around 50,000 affordable apartments in Bavaria,” criticized Dr. Bärbel Kofler, member of the Bundestag, the situation on the housing market. She calls for more support for social housing to meet the needs of the growing number of asylum seekers, as is the case with Mainpost was reported. In Mellrichstadt, people are striving for solutions to give asylum seekers a better future, often accompanied by the hope of having their own home.

The facility is regularly visited by representatives of the district office who offer consultation hours to provide support with applications and other concerns. Despite the challenges that come with living in shared accommodation, residents recognize the value of the support services and social integration. According to Bach, about 20 percent of residents are already working, and many want a future in which they can support themselves while appreciating community support, including on the side of the SPD Mellrichstadt is executed.