Düsseldorf leads the charge in combatting homelessness issues.
In the heart of Germany, Düsseldorf is taking a significant step towards ending homelessness within the European Union by 2030. The city, under the leadership of Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller, is supporting member states in implementing measures to achieve this ambitious goal.
One of the key initiatives is the "Housing First Düsseldorf" association, founded in autumn 2021. This association aims to motivate landlords to rent to homeless individuals or attract investors, providing a secure investment with rent paid until employment is found.
The city has also funded four positions that support residents after they move in, with another position planned for 2026. This support is crucial in helping former homeless individuals integrate into society and learn to live independently.
The Housing First approach distinguishes itself from other systems like "Trial Living," where there are no separate rental contracts for the affected persons and no financial independence. Instead, it provides each resident with their own room, offering a safe retreat.
A pilot project named "Low-threshold accommodation and counseling center" (NUB) has been established for those with severe drug problems. This project, a collaboration between the city, Diakonie, drug assistance, fiftyfifty, aXept!, and Care24, provides a supportive environment for those in need.
Mayor Keller, who has been the patron of Housing First for three years, aims to tackle homelessness in Düsseldorf with this approach. He estimates that around 200 homeless people in Düsseldorf have severe drug problems, making the Housing First system unsuitable for them.
The NUB project has already created accommodation for 44 people in a building on Markenstraße in Oberbilk. The city's involvement in the project is hoped to attract many more landlords to the Housing First initiative.
Fiftyfifty, a key player in the homeless initiative, has set up a follow-up project called "Housing First goes Gastro," which integrates Housing First participants into the first labor market.
As of August 2025, detailed data or updates on the implementation of the Housing First approach in Düsseldorf have not been captured in the recent publicly available sources. For up-to-date information, it might be necessary to consult local government or social service reports, specialized homelessness agencies, or city social welfare departments directly.
However, it is evident that the Housing First approach, a recognised international strategy for ending homelessness, is making a difference in Düsseldorf. The initiative has already helped dozens of people off the streets and into their own apartments, offering them a chance at a stable life.
- The Housing First Düsseldorf association, a recognized international strategy for ending homelessness, is not only focusing on providing housing but also promoting mental health and wellness by encouraging landlords to rent to homeless individuals and attracting investors.
- To ensure the successful integration of former homeless individuals, Düsseldorf is not only providing housing but also funding positions for support after residents move in, recognizing the importance of policy and legislation in mental health and health-and-wellness.
- The 'Housing First goes Gastro' project, a follow-up initiative by fiftyfifty, is a perfect example of where science, politics, and general news intersect, as it integrates Housing First participants into the first labor market, emphasizing the city's commitment to ending homelessness and securing a dignified life for its residents.
