Homelessness poses a significant issue: Diakonie advocates for increased counseling services - Increased Assistance Needed to Prevent Homelessness: Increased Counseling Recommended
In Bavaria, an estimated 58,000 people are currently homeless, a figure that includes those who have found temporary accommodation, those living on the streets, and those who are covertly homeless, according to Diakonie, a leading social welfare organisation operating in the region.
Diakonie President Rüdiger Schuch is currently visiting various facilities in Bayern, emphasising the urgent need for better access to housing for homeless people. Schuch has stated that the current patchy network of preventive counseling services in rural areas is insufficient, and there is a need for repurposing vacant buildings to provide housing.
To address this issue, Diakonie might consider proposing several general social policy measures. These include enhancing access to counseling services in rural areas, developing affordable housing options, encouraging community engagement programs, and implementing economic support measures such as job training programs or financial assistance.
Schuch has suggested establishing central specialist offices in rural areas to provide counseling for impending and acute homelessness. He also emphasised the importance of protecting people from unaffordable rents and subsequent loss of their homes.
In addition, Diakonie has proposed a simplified application process for social benefits: "one application - one application process - one decision." This move aims to help low-income families in Bavaria, who are often confronted with complex and sometimes contradictory benefit claims, leading many to not claim these benefits at all.
Strong economic growth alone is not enough to overcome poverty, according to Schuch. He emphasised the need for targeted social policy measures and investments in education and care.
With over 101,500 employees and approximately 28,000 volunteers in Bavaria, Diakonie is well-positioned to advocate for and implement these proposed measures, working towards a Bavaria where everyone has a safe and stable home.
- To complement their efforts in addressing homelessness, Diakonie could advocate for the integration of vocational training programs within their social policy, aiming to equip individuals with skills for better employment prospects and financial stability.
- Recognizing the importance of mental health in overall well-being, Diakonie could expand their services to include mental health support as part of their holistic approach to health-and-wellness, helping homeless individuals cope with the stressors of their situation.
- In line with their goal of financial stability for all, Diakonie could consider partnering with local institutions for wealth-management and personal-finance education, providing homeless individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to manage their finances effectively, thereby reducing their risk of becoming homeless again.
