Strong together: GESOBAU and the youth welfare office promote housing for young people!

Strong together: GESOBAU and the youth welfare office promote housing for young people!

In Cologne, special attention is paid to supporting young people who want to take the step towards self-employment. Since 2018, GESOBAU and the Reinickendorf Youth Welfare Office have been committed to making it easier for young people from youth welfare to have access to their own living space. This collaboration has now been extended for another two years berlin.de reported. Every year, GESOBAU provides five apartments, which are specifically given to young adults who show a willingness to take personal responsibility and cope with everyday life during the course of help.

This support is particularly crucial in the first few months after leaving youth welfare. Youth City Councilor Alexander Ewers (SPD) emphasizes how important this initiative is, not only to give young people a roof over their heads, but also to promote their independence. Helene Böhm, the head of social and neighborhood management at GESOBAU, highlights their commitment to children and young people in Reinickendorf and explains that access to their own living space is an important step towards independence.

A room for care leavers

As part of another project, GESOBAU plans to provide up to five apartments for care leavers in 2024, which are characterized by a permanent and regular tenancy. How gesobau.de reported, the requirements for applying include being of legal age, socially appropriate rental behavior and prospects in training or employment. Another important aspect of this initiative is that permanent contacts from GESOBAU and the youth welfare office are available for the first few months of the tenancy, who are intended to make the transition to an independent life easier.

The importance of such programs is also underlined by the feedback from experts. Rona Tietje, district councilor, emphasizes that independent living brings with it a bit more freedom, but also new obligations. This dual challenge requires strong support from authorities and social providers to make the transition easier for young people.

The path to your own apartment

The transition phase to self-employment is often associated with pressure, especially when youth welfare services end. This is particularly noticeable among care leavers. Loud paritaet-berlin.de These young people often face the challenge of finding their own home, while also often struggling with emotional and practical insecurities. However, a new child and youth empowerment law underlines that young people have a right to an independent life, including their own apartment.

Initiatives such as “Living in the Kiez” and the “Transfer” model project offer support in the form of trial living, in which care leavers have the opportunity to gain their first experience as self-employed in a safe environment. After a year, they often take ownership of their first rental apartment - an important step that many find challenging but also fulfilling.

In summary, it can be said that the initiatives in Cologne create a win-win situation. They not only give young people a good start in independent living, but are also a step in the right direction to meet the challenges on the housing market for this special group.