Housing and Social Affairs in Gevelsberg: Focus on Refugee Policy and Budget Planning in February 2026

Refugee Policy and Social Planning: Gevelsberg's Challenges in February 2026

In February 2026, the Committee for Seniors, Health, and Social Affairs in Gevelsberg was highly active. Discussions mainly revolved around current refugee policy, the funding of social benefits, and the personnel structure of the committee. The city of Gevelsberg has established itself in recent years as a model for integrative social policy, and February 2026 brought important decisions that will influence its future course.

Draft Budget and Financial Framework

A central topic of the meeting on February 25, 2026, was the draft of the 2026 budget ordinance. The committee discussed the funding of product area 31 and other product groups under the responsibility of the Department of Education, Youth, and Social Affairs. The draft was adopted with approval after deliberation and forwarded to the Main Committee and the City Council.

The financial orientation has direct consequences for social benefits and the integration of refugees. In particular, the support of asylum seekers and Ukrainians living in Gevelsberg is crucial, and the budget is a decisive component. The city must financially cover its obligations under the North Rhine-Westphalia Refugee Admission Act and the Integration Key.

Refugee Admission and Accommodation: Current Figures and Challenges

As of February 6, 2026, Gevelsberg has a fulfillment rate of 88.87% for its refugee admission obligations under the North Rhine-Westphalia Refugee Admission Act. The city is required to admit a total of 521 persons, with 58 still missing. In addition, under the Integration Key, Gevelsberg is required to admit 247 persons; currently, six of these places are still unfilled.

The city maintains several accommodations, including the Old Fire Station (fully occupied with 29 people) and the Rupprecht House (21 people). In addition, there are municipal and rented apartments in which 295 refugees are supported under the Asylum Benefits Act (AsylbLG). The premises of the company Licatec have already been returned due to vacancy.

Refugee policy will change again: Ukrainians who arrived after April 2025 will receive benefits under the AsylbLG in the future, while those who arrived before this date will continue to be supported under the Social Code Book II (SGB II). This change brings new challenges in financial planning, as AsylbLG benefits are significantly lower than those under SGB II.

Integration Measures and Social Work

Gevelsberg has also made a name for itself in integration work. During the "Week of Diversity" in September 2025, a participatory dance event with refugees took place, and a WenDo self-defense course for women was offered in October. In addition, there were initial orientation courses (EOK) and German courses for children funded by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), such as the "Summer Intensive Training – FIT in German."

The Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration has been renamed and reconstituted, indicating a growing awareness of integrative structures. In addition, regular workshops for people from the Persian-speaking region are held to overcome language barriers and promote social participation.

Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities

The political decisions of February 2026 show that Gevelsberg is actively addressing the challenges of refugee policy and social work. The city has established itself in the region as a pioneer in integrative social policy, but financial and personnel limits are also becoming apparent.

The next challenge will be to ensure the funding of the 2026 budget ordinance, meet the obligations under the Refugee Admission Act and the Integration Key, and at the same time strengthen social work. The experiences of the past months show that clear and transparent communication with the population and a strong commitment to integration work are crucial for continued success.