As the Green group in the Steglitz-Zehlendorf district assembly (BVV), we work together with our partners in the SPD and FDP voting alliance for local politics that is socially just, sustainable and makes our neighbourhoods good places to live. Many of our motions come from concrete needs in the neighbourhood, and this one is no exception:

The district assembly is asked to resolve:

The district office is requested to draw up an action plan for dealing with homeless people in the borough. It should serve staff in the relevant departments as the basis for a cross-departmental approach to the issue. Specifically, the plan should include the following:

• A description and the frequency of outreach by social workers and street social workers from the social welfare office and independent providers

• A description of how the social welfare office works with the other departments concerned, as well as with BSR and BVG

• A description of involuntary and “voluntary” homelessness and how each is handled

• A description of the circumstances, and the requirements the social welfare office must meet (including documentation), under which the public order office may need to move homeless people away from defined areas.

Once drawn up by the office, the plan should be referred to the responsible committees for a decision, with the social affairs committee taking the lead. The district office should then turn the plan into a public guide. This guide should give residents an overview of the legal framework, services in the borough and contact persons for homeless people, and explain how to treat homeless people appropriately in everyday life. Specifically, the guide should also cover the following points:

• The legal situation under the Social Code and the ASOG (Berlin’s public safety and order act)

• An overview of emergency shelters by type and facilities (also online)

• An overview of other support services offered by the district office.

Rationale:

The growing number of homeless people requires a coordinated approach between departments. An action plan provides clear guidelines for staff in the departments concerned and encourages effective cooperation. The proposed plan addresses important areas such as the frequency of outreach, cooperation with other departments and institutions, the different forms of homelessness and the criteria for moving people away from certain areas. It should also show interested residents transparently how we can all respond to homeless people.