Help services for homeless people

The city of Chemnitz offers numerous assistance programmes for homeless and homeless people. In view of the colder season, the Social Welfare Office answers frequently asked questions:

What is the current (estimated) number of homeless people in the city of Chemnitz?

The number of homeless and homeless people is not known and cannot be determined, as only those people who make use of help services and thus become known can be recorded.

Homeless people can, for example, be accommodated in the Eins housing project and, if they wish, receive socio-educational support. As at the end of September 2023, 34 people were living there. 11 of them were only using the emergency accommodation in the night shelter. A total of 27 people used the emergency accommodation in the night shelter in September.

The Tagestreff Haltestelle also offers people without their own accommodation the opportunity to set up a postal address, e.g. to receive mail from the authorities. Last year, 124 people utilised this option.

Every month, around 490 people seek help from the City of Chemnitz Social Welfare Office to end or prevent homelessness.

How does the City of Chemnitz support people?

Together with the independent organisations providing emergency housing assistance, the City of Chemnitz has a permanent support system for people without a home of their own and those at risk of homelessness.

Help for homeless people has several objectives: on the one hand, to find accommodation, but also to alleviate a current emergency situation. For those affected in Germany - and this is unique internationally - there is a legal entitlement to help and also a municipal obligation to provide accommodation.

Homelessness and the reasons that lead to the loss of a home are so complex that appropriate help always requires good interdisciplinary co-operation between all those involved. The extensive current help and support services for people in difficult circumstances in Chemnitz can be found in the list at the end of the press release.

What budgets does the current budget provide for support?

In the 2023 budget of the City of Chemnitz, around 2 million euros have been earmarked for the various forms of assistance.

What additional services are available for homeless people during the winter?

All services are provided continuously and in line with demand. If the overnight accommodation is fully utilised, additional overnight accommodation can be made available at short notice.

What can you do if you notice a person who appears to be homeless in a public space?

Approach the person and ask if and what help they need. This could be a hot or cold drink, something to eat, clothes, money or a snack for the dog. Also refer them to the help centres mentioned.
Tell the public authority number 115, the social welfare office or the municipal police where you found the person or where they are usually staying and how they can be contacted if necessary. The public authority staff will then try to establish contact and offer support options.

If the person is in an obvious emergency situation, e.g. is no longer responsive, you should inform the emergency medical service immediately in the interests of first aid.

How can you help?

Looking after other people is not always a matter of course and is greatly appreciated. Be attentive, ask questions and refer people to support services. Inform the relevant authorities. The authorities will take further steps. Personal offers of help and support, e.g. in the form of monetary donations or material items (food, clothing, drugstore items) or your own voluntary work, can be sent directly to the above-mentioned organisations at any time.

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