Diakonie Altholstein rents apartments for outpatient residential care and initially sublets them to the participants. The participants receive intensive support for at least six months before they take over the tenancy agreement themselves. In 2024, six tenancy agreements were successfully handed over to clients. A total of 46 apartments have been rented and sublet since the start of the program. During the support and monitoring phase, challenges arising from the assistance plan are dealt with. The tenancy agreement is only handed over once the biggest problems have been dealt with. "The measure has not only led to a successful transition into their own tenancies, but has also contributed to the settlement of debts and the positive professional development of the participants," emphasizes Melanie Popp and adds: "The positive effect on professional development only became apparent during the course of the project phase and we are particularly pleased about this."
Apart from this, the ZBS team continues to face major challenges. The reason: they are increasingly dealing with clients who have a particularly high density of problems - often combined with psychiatric and addiction problems. "These clients actually need medical treatment, but are left to fend for themselves due to the desolate healthcare system," explains Vanessa Trampe-Kieslich, Head of Social Assistance at Diakonie Altholstein. She adds: "Providing support and assistance to these clients requires a very high level of expertise, empathy and patience - as well as a well-organized support network." Gesa Kitschke is grateful for the close and positive collaboration with the city of Neumünster as a funding provider and cooperation partner. Together, solutions are being developed to improve the urgently needed support services for people with mental illness and addiction.
"We are aware of the difficult situation faced by ZBS employees and are doing everything we can to strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation. This is the only way to provide long-term support," emphasizes Carsten Hillgruber, Neumünster City Councillor.