The ZBS was established as a central contact point in Neumünster based on a concept developed by the Society for Innovative Social Research and Social Planning (GISS). In addition to advice, overnight accommodation and a day center, the services also include a post office - an often underestimated service that enables people without a registered address to be reached by post and thus participate in the social system.
"The 30th anniversary is not an unclouded occasion for us to celebrate, but above all a moment to pause and point out the challenges that continue to grow," says Gesa Kitschke, Managing Director of Diakonie Altholstein. "Record occupancy rates at the overnight accommodation center, the increasing complexity of cases and the lack of affordable housing make it clear that our work is more necessary than ever."
The figures speak for themselves
In 2023, 6,463 overnight stays were recorded in the overnight accommodation center - a record high since the ZBS was founded, forcing the team to set up emergency beds in the corridors. At 6,344 overnight stays, the 2024 figure was only just below this and shows that occupancy remains at an extremely high level. At the same time, the complexity of cases is increasing: More and more people are seeking help at the advice center with mental health problems and illnesses, which requires particularly intensive support. Prevention work is also reaching its limits. In 2024, the Central Counseling Center for People in Housing Need (ZBS) received 100 eviction complaints. Although the success rate (in preventing the loss of housing) was maintained at an average of 90%, without sufficient affordable housing, the chances of placement remain limited.
"We are proud of what we have achieved as a team in recent years - and that under increasingly difficult conditions," says Melanie Popp, Head of Homelessness Assistance. "Our job is to provide stability and open up prospects, even in challenging times."
One successful example of this approach is the outpatient residential care service, which has been running since 2019 and has now been made permanent. Diakonie Altholstein rents apartments, temporarily assumes the rental risk for landlords and supports the residents. Those who find stability in housing can also look to the future again, both professionally and socially.
City Councillor Carsten Hillgruber also praised the ZBS: "The Central Counselling Centre is a central pillar of social support in Neumünster. It stands for practical help, empathy and professionalism. Without this facility, many people in our city would be on their own."
The German government's National Action Plan aims to overcome homelessness by 2030: "The goals are undisputed and correct - but the action taken so far falls well short of the requirements. There is a lack of affordable housing and sufficiently effective prevention measures. If we take the common goal of ending homelessness in Germany seriously, we must finally take decisive action," says Gesa Kitschke, summing up the urgent demands.
The 30th anniversary of the ZBS is therefore less a reason to celebrate and more a reflection of society: it shows the growing social problems as well as the great solidarity in Neumünster. At the same time, the work of the advice center makes it clear that the social climate has become harsher in many areas - a finding that underlines the importance of humanity, empathy and commitment all the more. The ZBS stands for the shared responsibility of leaving no one behind.