Homelessness awareness: German organizations highlight barriers to social aid

On the Day of the Homeless, September 11, social organizations in Germany are highlighting the difficulties faced by individuals experiencing housing instability. In Saxony, Diakonie Sachsen reported that its emergency housing services advised 3,575 people in 2025, nearly half of whom were already homeless.

Diakonie officials, including Chairman Dietrich Bauer and advisor Rotraud Kießling, criticized the bureaucratic and digital barriers that prevent people from accessing essential social benefits. They noted that complex application processes, sometimes exceeding 13 pages, and a lack of digital access or technical support—such as issues with two-factor authentication—often delay or block necessary aid.

In Duisburg, local organizations including the Diakoniewerk Duisburg and the Ökumenische Bahnhofsmission held awareness events to provide counseling and emergency contact information. Statistics from the State Statistical Office of NRW indicated that 2,880 homeless individuals were accommodated in Duisburg on the reporting date.