Bremerhaven: Social Affairs and Housing Policy in Focus – February 2026

Social Integration and Refugee Policy: Progress and Challenges

Bremerhaven continued to focus strongly on the social integration and support of refugees in February 2026. A key priority was the implementation of the integration concept, which is intended to be culturally and gender-sensitive in the coming years. The introduction of a fee schedule for transitional accommodations is another step toward transparency and fair distribution of costs.

The city also submitted a comprehensive status report on the situation of refugees, showing that the number of refugees remains stable, although the age structure and countries of origin are increasingly diverse. The IOM return counseling service conducted 133 consultations, with 25 individuals voluntarily returning to their home countries. At the same time, three deportations were carried out, indicating a cautious yet consistent approach to refugee policy.

Housing Supply: Expansion of the Women's Shelter and Security Initiatives

Another central topic was the housing supply, particularly for vulnerable groups. The expansion of the women's shelter to 30 places has now been completed, and state funding has already been approved. Funding for the project "Heidjer Hilfe – Active in the Neighbourhood" is also being strengthened, with an additional staff position planned until 2028.

In addition, the city has begun systematically assessing accessibility when reviewing building applications. This is a decisive step toward improving living conditions, particularly for seniors and people with disabilities, in a sustainable manner. The planning of an assessment of the housing situation in the districts is also progressing, with a focus on barrier-free housing.

Youth and Education Policy: Integration through Education

The integration of refugees into the education system remains a central issue. In 2025, there were 224 new registrations of school-age children without German language skills, a slight decrease compared to 2024. Nevertheless, the number of welcome courses and literacy programs has increased, indicating better preparation and integration.

The focus remains on language support, with digital offers such as translation devices in schools also being used. However, the course "Mama learns German (and Papa too)" has been discontinued, suggesting a reallocation of resources.

Digital Offers and Staff Development

Bremerhaven is increasingly relying on digital communication channels, especially in the area of youth employment services. The Instagram and TikTok channels of the Youth Employment Agency are intended to specifically reach young people. As the current staff position is only funded until the end of 2026, the committee has requested an extension to continue the channels.

Staff development is also a priority in the field of disability support. Two additional staff positions for support staff in the Social Office have been extended until 2028. In addition, there was an exchange with the State Commissioner for the Affairs of Persons with Disabilities, indicating increased networking.

Outlook: Stability and Sustainability

The decisions made in February 2026 show that Bremerhaven is focusing on stability and sustainability in social and housing policy. The integration of refugees, ensuring housing availability, and supporting vulnerable groups such as seniors or people with disabilities are central issues. At the same time, the city is working to optimize digital offers and staff development in order to create sustainable structures in the long term.