Social Affairs and Housing Policy in Bochum – Focus April 2026

Social Integration and Housing Policy in Bochum – A Review from April 2026

Social justice and inclusive housing planning are key issues for the future viability of cities like Bochum. In April 2026, these topics were central to the work of the Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration. The discussions reflected the challenges arising from refugee movements, social inequality, and the funding of non-profit work – and also showed how the city actively responds to them.

Funding Priorities: Integration and Intergenerational Connections

A central focus of the April session was the support of associations and initiatives in the field of migration and integration work. The city of Bochum set a clear signal with 100,000 EUR for 2026, supporting projects that strengthen intercultural encounters and intergenerational work. The thematic focus was on the motto “Diversity connects generations – Opportunities for older people with a migration history.”

Projects such as “Stark im Alter” (5,000 EUR) by Vifi e.V. or “Fit im Alltag – Senioren stärken” (2,030 EUR) by Ronahi e.V. were supported. Particularly noteworthy is the support for the Alevitische Gemeinde Bochum e.V. with 5,000 EUR for renovation work and access systems – an example of how the city also recognizes and addresses the infrastructural needs of non-profit organizations.

Housing Support: Funding for Association Spaces

In addition to project work, the funding of association spaces was also in focus. In April 2026, Bochum consciously decided to grant rent and heating cost subsidies to several associations. These measures are of great importance in a time when rents are rising sharply – particularly for volunteer-run organizations, which often work with limited resources.

For example, the Dersim Cultural and Historical Center e.V. received 4,000 EUR, and the MOSAIK Bochum e.V. received 6,200 EUR for rent and ancillary costs. These grants are not only a financial support, but also a sign that the city of Bochum values the work of diverse, intercultural initiatives.

Refugee Policy: Challenges and Structures

Another focus was refugee and asylum policy. In 2025, Bochum accommodated a total of 1,518 refugees, 838 of whom were in collective accommodation. Particularly noteworthy is Bochum’s role as a receiving city for Ukrainian refugees: 3,371 people found shelter here, with 2,061 of them receiving social welfare benefits.

The debate on deportations and changes in legal status was also present. Thus, 24 deportations were carried out, and 205 persons were granted a permanent residence permit. At the same time, it became clear that 12 unaccompanied foreign minors (UMA) without original documents still live in Bochum – a topic that must be placed more firmly in the focus in the future.

Structural Debates: Steering Groups and Transparency

The discussion on the establishment of a steering group within the Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration shows how sensitive the issues of transparency and participation are in social policy. Although the steering group has no decision-making power, it is intended to serve as a preliminary review. This approach is necessary to ensure the quality of funding, but it was also viewed critically – especially in the question of whether the committee itself will be involved in the selection process.

Outlook: What Lies Ahead in the Coming Months?

The debates and decisions in April 2026 show that Bochum is consciously committed to an inclusive, intergenerational, and financially viable social policy. However, the challenges remain great – both in the accommodation of refugees and in the funding of non-profit work. In the coming months, it will be important to further develop the structures and increase transparency, in order to strengthen the trust between administration, politics and civil society.