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

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

In Liebenwalde, the Beyers, a couple who have been living in a makeshift hostel for over two years, have anything but a pleasant living situation. Bernd and Elisabet Beyer moved into a converted apartment in the “Liebenwalder Herberge” after their former home was demolished to make room for a Lidl supermarket. The city originally promised them a new house, but that has so far been a long time coming. While this is hoped for, the Beyers have to come to terms with cramped accommodation that offers little space for their belongings. Moving boxes have been unpacked and the fact that the kitchen is too small for Elisabet and her walker 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 temporary apartment was equally frustrating for the couple, as suitable options were quickly either rejected or already taken.

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

Challenges in barrier-free living

The problem of barrier-free living runs like a common thread through many parts of Germany. Especially in municipalities like in North Rhine-Westphalia, where NRW.BANK offers numerous promotional loans to promote accessibility in residential areas. Programs such as the NRW.BANK.WEG loan promote measures by homeowners' associations for accessibility and burglary protection. This is important because many people, including those with disabilities, need housing that meets their specific needs. Barrier-free building or renovation is not just a question of comfort, but also of inclusion.

There are similar initiatives in other federal states, such as the comprehensive funding programs in Bavaria, Berlin and many others. These programs are designed 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 to action

As Beyers shows, the lack of suitable and barrier-free housing can lead to a serious living situation. It is necessary for cities and municipalities to take action. Because everyone deserves to live in an attractive and functional home - especially those who rely on accessibility. On the Aktion Mensch websites you can find information about the available funding opportunities and how to submit the correct application, which can be a first step in the right direction. The urgent question remains: When will the situation really get better for families like the Beyers?

The city has promised to complete the new house, which is urgently needed, by the end of the year. But what about the commitment to actually keeping such promises? RBB24 reports on the hurdles that arise between the Beyers and their new home and how uncertain the situation is for many other people in a similar situation. Let's create a society in which everyone has a perspective and living space - this is more than just a well-intentioned plan, it is necessary.

At a time when the focus is on integration and inclusion, we must ensure that the right conditions are created so that no one is left behind.