Housing in Vorarlberg: Numbers continue to rise dramatically!

Housing in Vorarlberg: Numbers continue to rise dramatically!

Vorarlberg, Österreich - The current figures on homelessness in Vorarlberg ensure concern. Michael Hämmerle from the Kaplan Bonetti advice center reports that there was no relief in 2024 despite a record year of 2023. In the survey period of October 2024, almost 1,400 households used the offers of homeless help, which corresponds to a total of 2,812 affected people, including 882 minors. The high number of unreported cases is particularly alarming in people over 65. Kleine Zeitung reports of a six-oriented increase in the number of cases, which above all the high energy costs and the new ones created Financial aid will be returned in 2023. In the following year, however, this aid had little relevance, which indicates the precarious situation of many households.

The housing cost burden is also a central problem in Vorarlberg. According to Hämmerles, 35 percent of the households recorded are affected by the EU definition of housing costs, which means that more than 40 percent of the household income is spent on living. In contrast, households in non -profit apartments record living cost loads of less than 30 percent. Christian Beiser from Caritas warns that many families and individuals are threatened with loss of housing or have to live in unsuitable living conditions.

The role of aid organizations

Diakonie offers comprehensive support for those affected by homelessness. It provides around 800 offers nationwide, which include emergency accommodation, excessive help, outpatient and inpatient facilities for housing emergency aid. Diakonie is committed to the creation of affordable living space and pursues the goal of eliminating homelessness and homelessness by 2030.

The causes of homelessness are diverse: they range from rent debts and economic emergencies to critical life events such as separations or unemployment. Housing often leads to social isolation, health problems and increased addictive behavior.

The situation in Germany

The problem of apartment and homelessness is not only limited to Vorarlberg. In the beginning of 2024 there were around 532,000 homeless people in Germany, including around 47,300 homeless people. The main reason for the losing into apartments is rental debts, since rents are continuously increasing, especially in the big cities. Statista Households at risk of poverty are almost half. The number of social housing has almost halved in recent years, which further tightens the situation.

The discussion about solutions for this complex situation is urgently necessary. The ARGE Homeless Aid calls for an increase in non -profit residential activity and better protection of services against loss of value. In particular, the current cuts in Klimabonus and family services could further tighten the situation of the affected households.