Housing in Ulm: Homeless fights for survival in winter

Housing in Ulm: Homeless fights for survival in winter

Ulm, Deutschland - In Ulm, there is an acute shortage of housing that affects numerous people. Hans Liebanz and Anna Pakanova, who have recently been living on the street, are particularly affected. Liebanz has been looking for help from Caritas since 2023 and realizes that the Situation is further tightened. "There is enough living space, but only at high prices," he describes the dramatic situation. Caritas documented over 500 homeless people last year, and the numbers have increased steadily since Corona pandemic. More and more people are forced to live under adverse conditions, while the winter cold represents an additional threat, as Mein-stuttgart.com

talks on the housing shortage in Ulm

The overcrowding of the emergency dormitory is another worrying sign: the 80 places there are permanently occupied, and many had to move into less suitable accommodations. In order to offer the homeless at least a dry sleeping place, the city has temporarily opened the former parcel post hall. Despite the efforts, the reality of many affected people remains bleak. In the DRK overnight home, reports Schwaebische.de Space, and the hygienic conditions are anything but ideal. Liebtanz describes the air there as "bad as if a hammer hits you on the head".

The urban administration recognizes the challenges, but remains optimistic of having the situation under control while at the same time warning of the financial challenges. Many people, especially newcomers from other EU countries, have difficulty gaining access to support services, which also tightens the situation. The need for more affordable living space is becoming increasingly clear, and Liebtanz itself dreams of your own apartment. "1.5 rooms would be enough. I would like to pay them alone," he says hopefully, while the reality around him is slowly changing.