Berlin (dts Nachrichtenagentur) - The Federal Homelessness Working Group implores cities to enhance support for homeless individuals to soften the blow of lockdown regulations' repercussions. "Fear notches up as we prepare for the corona winter," Werena Rosenke, the working group's managing director, warns the "Rheinische Post" (Wednesday edition).
Advocacy Group Pushes for Expansion of Temporary Accommodations amid Lockdown Restrictions
Rosenke expresses worry about the inadequate number of accommodations to maintain the required social distancing rules. If communal accommodations keep their usual capacity, she remarks, the risk of infection surges. "What we need are accommodations where people can reside during the day," she emphasizes. She insists that the temporary nature of these stays, restricted to one or a few days per month, should be abolished. She also pushes for more subsidies towards coronavirus tests. "Testing costs are usually shouldered by homelessness aid facilities themselves, with insufficient support from the federal government, states, or municipalities," Rosenke points out. "This leaves many facilities on the verge of bankruptcy."
Homeless individuals should be given easy access to vaccinations, Rosenke suggests. This year, at least two homeless individuals have perished from hypothermia in Germany. Since 1991, at least 320 cold deaths have been recorded among homeless people. Around 41,000 people in Germany are estimated to be homeless and exposed to the cold, living on the streets. A further 640,000 individuals are considered homeless, residing in communal accommodations, for example.
Aiding Homeless Populations in Crisis
In times of crises like the pandemic, countries around the world, including Germany, have put forth efforts to support the homeless. Typically, these measures encompass:
Social Services and Accommodations
Germany has an extensive social welfare system that assists vulnerable populations, including the homeless, with access to shelters and temporary accommodations.
Testing and Vaccinations
Health services have been expanded to reach marginalized communities, including providing testing and vaccinations in shelters or mobile units.
Financial Assistance
Government programs and non-profit organizations offer financial assistance to help homeless individuals manage basic expenses during challenging times like lockdowns.
Localized Initiatives
Many German cities have local initiatives to offer food, clothing, and essential items to homeless individuals, often supported by community donations and volunteer efforts.
Though specific lockdown measures in Germany are not extensively detailed in recent search results, these broad strategies reflect the types of support usually offered to homeless populations in crises. Besides, efforts were made to ensure comprehensive and inclusive healthcare access for homeless individuals through outreach programs, and financial assistance was critical for housing stability among vulnerable populations during the pandemic.
In the light of this, it's crucial for mental-health services to be integrated into social services for homeless individuals, given the potential impact of isolation and stress on their mental well-being. Additionally, other science-based strategies such as focusing on health-and-wellness programs specific to the needs of homeless populations could help bolster their resilience during times of crisis, alongside traditional support measures like financial assistance and accommodations.
