Housing shortage in Brandenburg: Refugees are fighting for a home!

Housing shortage in Brandenburg: Refugees are fighting for a home!

At first glance it may seem as if things have calmed down for refugees in Brandenburg. But beneath the surface, the situation remains tense. How rbb24 reported, the number of newly arriving refugees has fallen significantly in recent months. However, the corresponding municipal accommodations are still very busy. The constant number of around 21,000 occupied places in the approximately 28,000 available accommodations shows how many people are still waiting for a permanent solution.

Finding accommodation is extremely challenging for many refugees. The Aswad family from Libya can tell you a thing or two about it. After more than two years in shared accommodation in Michendorf, where they struggled with unclear questions about their right to stay and had to deal with high demands for rent subsidies, the family finally found an apartment. Thanks to move-out management, they were able to sign a rental agreement.

Challenges in integration

Integration officer Diana Gonzalez Olivo emphasizes that many refugees have to stay in communal accommodation for a long time due to the legal framework. The social welfare offices often only approve moves under certain conditions, which cannot always be met. Therefore, many have no choice but to remain in the existing facilities.

This problem is exacerbated by the fact that the demand for living space in Brandenburg, especially in the districts of Havelland, Barnim and Potsdam-Mittelmark, remains high. Despite a decrease in the number of asylum applications compared to the previous year, which is now estimated at 6,472 for 2025, many people are stuck in the waiting queue - the initial reception centers are only half full.

Future plans and distribution

A look at the future plans shows that a new distribution of funds in the area of ​​refugee reception is planned from 2026. This should no longer be based on the actual number of people admitted, but rather on the federal states' target number of admissions. This could relieve the burden on Brandenburg, which according to the “Königstein Key” has to accept 3.03 percent of refugees.

How Mik.brandenburg As stated, Brandenburg is responsible for the accommodation and care of asylum seekers. In the first few weeks of the asylum procedure, they are accommodated in the central initial reception center in Eisenhüttenstadt, but never permanently. After the temporary accommodation, the distribution takes place among the districts and independent cities.

Political framework and support

At a meeting on June 7th, 2023 in the Potsdam State Chancellery, the challenges and opportunities for a better coordinated reception and integration of refugees were discussed. Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke emphasized the need for joint efforts and the faster expansion of initial reception capacities as well as adjustments to the social infrastructure. The distribution of tasks between the state and local authorities remains a legally binding task, which could also be led to a solution through the current political discussion about fair cost sharing at the federal level.

In summary, a picture emerges of the major challenges and, at the same time, clear plans for the future. While a temporary calm in the arrival numbers gives the appearance of stability, the search for permanent solutions and adequate housing for many refugees in Brandenburg is still in full swing. It remains to be hoped that political initiatives can finally improve the current situation sustainably. Further information on this topic can also be found at brandenburg.de.