Beyer couple has been waiting for a barrier-free home in Liebenwalde for years

Beyer couple has been waiting for a barrier-free home in Liebenwalde for years

in Liebenwalde, have anything but a pleasant living Situation. Bernd and Elisabet Beyer moved to a converted apartment in the "Liebenwalder Herberge" after their former house has been torn down to make room for a Lidl supermarket. The city originally promised a new house, which has so far been long in coming. While it is hoped for it, the Beyers have to come to terms with a closely dimensioned accommodation that offers little space for their belongings. Moving boxes are unpacked, and the fact that the kitchen is too small for Elisabet and its rollator makes cooking a real challenge. Occasionally you long for the conviviality and traditions that were alive in the old kitchen. The search for a barrier -free transition apartment was just as frustrating for the couple, because suitable options were quickly either rejected or already forgiven.

The city has recognized the situation, but the construction of the new house is delayed due to the lack of offers from construction companies and pending tenders. The Beyers' hope of being able to move to a new apartment by the end of the year depends on the progress of the local craft companies and the weather. Above all, the Beyers want added value in their living space, which meets their needs and enables space for a life in community.

challenges in barrier -free living

The problem of barrier -free living runs like a thread through many parts of Germany. Especially in municipalities such as in North Rhine -Westphalia, where the NRW.Bank offers numerous funding loans to drive accessibility in residential areas. Program such as the NRW.BANK.WEG-Kredit promote measures by apartment owner communities for accessibility and burglary protection. This is important because many people, including those with disabilities, need living space that meets their special requirements. Barrier -free building or conversion is not only a question of comfort, but also inclusion.

In other federal states, there are initiatives similar to the extensive support programs in Bavaria, Berlin and many others. These programs are intended to ensure that people with special needs not only avoid structural barriers, but also find a place where they can feel at home.

a call for action

As the Beyers shows, the lack of suitable and barrier -free apartments can lead to a serious life situation. It is necessary for cities and municipalities to become active. Because everyone deserves to live in an appealing and functional home - especially those who rely on accessibility. On the website of the actions human, information about the available funding opportunities and the right application can be found, which can be a first step in the right direction. The urgent question remains: When does the situation for families like the Beyers really get better?

The city has promised the new house that is urgently needed to complete by the end of the year. But what about the commitment to really keep such promises? rbb24 reports that arise between the Beyers and their new home and how uncertainty for many other people in a similar situation. Let us create a society in which everyone has a perspective and living space - this is more than just a well -intentioned plan, it is necessary.

In a time when the focus is on integration and inclusion, we must make sure that the right conditions are created so that nobody is left behind.