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Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026
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Germany Faces Alarming Rise in Homelessness, New Report Shows
Over half a million people in Germany are currently homeless, with a marked increase in the past two years. The federal government aims to eliminate homelessness by 2030.
A newly released report from the German Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development, and Building has revealed a sobering statistic: over half a million people in Germany are currently homeless.
The findings, published on Wednesday, show that approximately 531,600 people in Europe’s largest economy are without permanent shelter, a staggering increase from previous reports.
The report outlines that around 439,500 individuals are residing in emergency housing facilities, while an additional 60,400 are staying temporarily with relatives or friends.
However, tens of thousands are still living on the streets or in temporary accommodations, exacerbating the homelessness crisis.
The report highlights that homelessness in Germany is not confined to urban areas, with rural regions also seeing significant numbers of individuals without permanent housing.
Approximately two-thirds of those affected are male, and over half have faced violence since becoming homeless.
The data represents a near-doubling of the figures published in 2022, when the number was recorded at around 263,000.
The increase is attributed to underreporting in previous reports, which the government has now corrected.
The latest report also includes around 136,900 Ukrainian refugees who have not been able to secure alternative accommodation since arriving in Germany.
Klara Geywitz, Germany's Minister of Housing, Urban Development, and Construction, stated that the government is committed to addressing the crisis, noting that homelessness has multiple causes and is not solely an urban issue.
In response, the German government has pledged to invest over €20 billion ($20.6 billion) into social housing by 2028, with the goal of eliminating homelessness by 2030.
Homelessness remains a persistent issue across Europe, with the European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless estimating that close to one million people experience homelessness every night in the EU and the UK.
Experts believe the actual number is likely much higher, as definitions and data collection methods vary across countries.
Germany’s ambitious goal of eradicating homelessness by 2030 will require significant structural changes and investments in affordable housing, but the new report paints a stark picture of the challenges the country faces in the coming years.
The findings, published on Wednesday, show that approximately 531,600 people in Europe’s largest economy are without permanent shelter, a staggering increase from previous reports.
The report outlines that around 439,500 individuals are residing in emergency housing facilities, while an additional 60,400 are staying temporarily with relatives or friends.
However, tens of thousands are still living on the streets or in temporary accommodations, exacerbating the homelessness crisis.
The report highlights that homelessness in Germany is not confined to urban areas, with rural regions also seeing significant numbers of individuals without permanent housing.
Approximately two-thirds of those affected are male, and over half have faced violence since becoming homeless.
The data represents a near-doubling of the figures published in 2022, when the number was recorded at around 263,000.
The increase is attributed to underreporting in previous reports, which the government has now corrected.
The latest report also includes around 136,900 Ukrainian refugees who have not been able to secure alternative accommodation since arriving in Germany.
Klara Geywitz, Germany's Minister of Housing, Urban Development, and Construction, stated that the government is committed to addressing the crisis, noting that homelessness has multiple causes and is not solely an urban issue.
In response, the German government has pledged to invest over €20 billion ($20.6 billion) into social housing by 2028, with the goal of eliminating homelessness by 2030.
Homelessness remains a persistent issue across Europe, with the European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless estimating that close to one million people experience homelessness every night in the EU and the UK.
Experts believe the actual number is likely much higher, as definitions and data collection methods vary across countries.
Germany’s ambitious goal of eradicating homelessness by 2030 will require significant structural changes and investments in affordable housing, but the new report paints a stark picture of the challenges the country faces in the coming years.
