Berlin's Bold New Plan to Help Homeless EU Citizens Find Stability
A new initiative in Berlin is set to help homeless EU citizens, many of whom come from Eastern European countries. The nonprofit Barka has launched the project to address a gap in support for this vulnerable group. Over 50,000 people in the city lack permanent housing, with more than 6,000 living on the streets.
Barka's programme will focus on EU citizens, who often face harsh living conditions due to limited housing protections and strict benefit rules. Polish nationals form the largest group of homeless EU citizens in Germany, making up roughly 20 percent of the total. Nationwide, over a million people are homeless or housing-insecure, with around 60 percent being EU citizens.
The initiative includes a 'One-Stop-Shop' in Berlin, offering counselling in German, Polish, English, and Russian. The goal is to make around 500 initial contacts with unhoused individuals each year. Many of these people also face exploitation in the labour market, adding to their struggles.
The project works alongside Berlin's existing homelessness support but targets a group that often falls through the cracks. While exact numbers for homeless EU citizens from Eastern Europe in Berlin remain unclear, reports suggest at least 55,000 people in the city are without stable housing.
The initiative highlights the scale of homelessness in Germany, where housing insecurity affects a large number of EU citizens. By providing targeted support, Barka aims to improve access to services and reduce exploitation. The project reinforces the idea that homelessness is a structural issue, not an individual failing.
