Shocking increase in the number of homeless people in North Rhine-Westphalia NRW!
The number of people without housing in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia was about 122,000 in 2024, representing an increase of 12% compared to the previous year. According to the Ministry of Social Affairs in NRW, this is the highest number recorded since statistics began in 2011.
The ministry clarified that the term "homeless" does not necessarily mean that they live on the streets, as about 99% of them reside in shelters, temporary housing projects, or with acquaintances. The state's Minister of Social Affairs, Karl-Josef Laumann, points out that this increase is "not surprising," explaining that 70% of these individuals are recognized refugees living in government or municipal reception centers, which means they do not have permanent housing and are included in the statistics regarding homelessness.
Laumann affirmed his determination to continue combating homelessness and lack of housing by supporting assistance programs and employing more social workers and real estate experts, in addition to expanding support programs. Statistics reveal that a quarter of the homeless are children and adolescents under the age of 18, and more than 75% of them hold non-German nationalities, with 60% being male.
Despite the rising numbers of those without housing, statistics do not provide an accurate figure for the number of people actually living on the streets. Estimates from 2021 indicate that the number of completely homeless individuals is around 5,000, with a significant concentration in the cities of Dortmund and Köln.
.