The housing market in Berlin is currently under pressure. Too few new flats are being built, social housing is no longer being earmarked for this purpose, suitable properties are becoming a scarce commodity and rents are rising continuously. Almost everyone in Berlin who is looking for a rental flat is affected by the consequences. Refugees feel them particularly keenly. They often search for housing for years, while waiting in often overcrowded accommodation.
With our project, we want to get to the bottom of the causes of the problematic housing situation for refugees in Berlin. To this end, we are talking to people from politics, administration, civil society and the (property) industry. Of course, we are also involving employees and residents in the accommodation centres in the discussion. Because one thing is clear: hardly anyone is satisfied with the status quo as it is now.
We gather perspectives and ideas through background discussions, interviews and on-site visits. We then invite people to workshops and a trialogue, where we bring together representatives from all sectors around one table. This not only creates a space for dialogue, but also for the development of completely new solution strategies. In turn, we share these strategies with political decision-makers and the public. Ultimately, we are convinced that we all have to break new ground if something is to change on the housing market in favour of refugees.
The project is funded by the Open Society Foundation.
Please feel free to contact us by e-mailjkaesemann[at]governance-platform.org
"Being able to live independently and create a home is an important basis for gaining a foothold in Berlin. It's all the worse that many refugees are currently unable to fulfil this wish. With a view to the future, in which many more people will presumably want to find a new home in Berlin, long-term solutions are urgently needed that involve everyone."
