Social and Housing Issues in Nordhorn: Challenges and Perspectives in February 2026

Social Integration and Refugee Situation: Challenges in Nordhorn

Nordhorn has established itself in recent years as a pioneer in the field of social integration, particularly in the reception and care of refugees. In February 2026, the Committee for Social Affairs, Youth, Integration, Security, and Order discussed the current refugee situation and the challenges arising from the redistribution and accommodation of individuals.

The city of Nordhorn has exceeded its intake obligation and currently shows an overachievement of the quota by 35 persons. Refugees are accommodated in a decentralized manner in municipal and rented housing as well as in shared accommodations. Currently, 22 municipal apartments are used by 91 persons, 129 rented apartments accommodate 451 persons, and there is one men's hostel with 60 places (41 occupied), five shared accommodations with 49 places (15 occupied), and a DRK refugee hostel with 48 places (21 occupied).

The city plans to close the DRK refugee hostel in the summer of 2026, which means that the existing capacities must be redistributed. By the end of 2025, 935 Ukrainian men and women were already living in Nordhorn, and the city is preparing for the planned legal change, which will mean that Ukrainian refugees will no longer receive citizens' allowance or social assistance, but benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (AsylbLG) starting in April 2025.

Full-Day Childcare: Entitlement and Participatory Planning

Another central topic in the meeting was the implementation of the entitlement to full-day childcare for primary school children, which will apply from the school year 2026/2027. The city of Nordhorn plans to implement this entitlement through a participatory planning process with external moderation. The involvement of parents, students, teachers, and other stakeholders will be discussed in a participation workshop in April 2026, followed by a kick-off in May 2026.

However, the implementation of the entitlement also brings challenges. The city does not expect a sharp increase in the number of participants, but growing demand could have implications for site selection, care ratios, and logistical challenges. In addition, uncertainties remain regarding the care of children with increased needs, as these can currently only be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Holiday Programs: Digitalization and Participation

The city's holiday programs for children and young people are another focus of social policy in Nordhorn. The city has been offering holiday programs since the 1970s, targeting different age groups. The holiday pass, which has existed since 1970, provides discounted access to leisure activities and is designed in collaboration with associations, institutions, and volunteers.

In 2025, 87 events were offered in the Easter holiday program, 224 in the summer, and 72 in the autumn, with 566 children participating in the Easter holiday events, 862 in the summer, and 476 in the autumn. In addition, the city established a digital platform in 2024 to provide information about holiday programs and enable registrations. More than 2,000 families and over 2,600 children and young people use the platform.

In addition to the holiday programs, Nordhorn also offers participatory holiday activities for young people, such as in Cologne (2024) and near Hamburg (2025). These offers not only promote social integration but also the self-development of young people.

Funding and Future Perspectives

Youth work in Nordhorn is supported by funding from federal and state programs. For example, 37,500 euros were allocated in 2024 for the establishment of free WLAN at youth meetings, and the district of Grafschaft Bentheim provided subsidies for leisure activities and international youth encounters.

Further subsidies for projects such as children's and youth theater, youth meetings, and leisure activities are planned for 2026. The city of Nordhorn receives approximately 79,000 euros annually from the district of Grafschaft Bentheim for the further development of offers for young people.

Conclusion: Nordhorn as a Model City for Social Integration

Nordhorn has established itself in recent years as a model city for social integration and youth work. The city is addressing challenges such as the refugee situation, entitlements to childcare, and the digitalization of offers with great sensitivity and planning security. The participation of young people and the cooperation with associations and partners are central factors for success.

In the coming months, further decisions on the implementation of the entitlement to full-day childcare and the future of youth centers will be made. The city of Nordhorn shows that social work is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity for a lively, integrative, and participatory community.