Housing Policy and Social Integration in Moers: Challenges and Pathways in 2026

Housing Policy in Moers: Between Refugee Accommodation and Social Integration

In March 2026, the city of Moers is facing a wide range of challenges arising from refugee policy, social integration, and the promotion of civic participation. Particularly in the meetings of the Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration, decisive directions were set for future housing and social policy.

Refugee Accommodation: Challenges and Funding

Moers currently accommodates 938 refugees, of whom 455 live in shared accommodations and 483 in rented housing. Approximately 52 % of these individuals already have a right to stay and must seek their own housing. The city must therefore continue to maintain capacity to accommodate 240 additional refugees – currently, 164 free places are available, which corresponds to a fulfillment rate of 86.29 %.

The funding for refugee accommodation is provided through a non-cost-covering lump sum from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Although the federal government reimburses costs for living expenses, accommodation, and medical care, expansion measures or new accommodations must be financed from municipal funds.

Another focal point is the accommodation of war refugees from Ukraine, who are assigned directly – without an asylum application. The city plans to build a new refugee accommodation in Schwafheim with a total investment of 13.6 million euros. In this, Moers is following the existing accommodation in Genend, with funding provided through PSP elements.

Social Integration: The Project "Neu_Meerbeck – District of Diversity"

In the development of Moers' districts, the project "Neu_Meerbeck – District of Diversity" plays a central role. The goal is to strengthen social integration, neighborhood relationships, and cultural diversity. The district office serves as a central contact point and coordinates projects, advisory services, and events.

In the past months, 157 projects have been implemented within the district program, with a funding volume of around 228,000 euros. Each project can receive up to 3,000 euros – a low-threshold offer that promotes civic engagement. Regular offerings such as the district meeting, the market office hours, and the volunteer festival contribute to the social vitality.

A special highlight is the graffiti project "I love Meerbeck & Hochstraß, here I can be who I am," which strengthens identification and local pride. In addition, 2026 planned events such as the litter collection day or the Open Park Festival are part of the long-term district development.

Civic Participation: The Citizens' Council and the Future of Democracy

Moers is promoting increased civic participation to make political decisions more transparent and citizen-oriented. The Citizens' Council, conducted in November 2025, is a central instrument of this strategy. 59 randomly selected citizens were stratified by age, gender, educational background, and migration history to ensure representative participation.

The results of the Citizens' Council were documented in a report and forwarded to various committees. Recommendations include, among others, the establishment of a permanent Citizens' Council, the creation of a participation portal (BePo), and the development of participation coaches (MiMaCo's) who accompany participation processes.

Another project is the "Future Budget," a pilot project that involves young people in political shaping. With a budget of at least 50,000 euros, projects can be proposed and implemented that are developed by students themselves. The start of the pilot project is planned at two schools and covers a period of two years.

Integration through Education and Language Support

Language support for refugees and newcomers is another focus. With the abolition of the mandatory integration courses and the reduction of federal funds to 750 million euros for 2027 (from 1,064 million euros in 2026), significant challenges arise. In North Rhine-Westphalia, around 30,000 people are affected, including many in Moers.

The Adult Education Center (vhs) is the central provider of language courses but is suffering from financial constraints. The reduction in subsidies from the 17th participant and the lack of planning security due to BAMF funds burden the course offerings. Moers therefore relies on introductory courses and online self-learning offers, which, however, do not guarantee a structured language acquisition.

Social Counseling and Debt Relief

The debt counseling office in Moers advised 1,529 households in 2025, with the main reasons for over-indebtedness being health problems, unemployment, and price increases. The city offers a wide range of advisory services, including P-account counseling, outreach counseling, and psychosocial support.

The debt ratio in NRW is at 9.79 %, above the national average. A reform of the P-account and the housing benefit certificate is under discussion. Moers is relying on cooperation with the Job Center, the diocesan office, and the Sparkasse to prevent over-indebtedness risks.

Conclusion: Integration and Participation as Central Challenges

Moers has shown in housing policy and social integration in the last weeks as a city with clear goals and concrete measures. Refugee accommodation, the promotion of civic engagement, and the strengthening of the social infrastructure are central topics that will be decisive for the city's development in the coming years.

The establishment of a citizens' council, the implementation of district projects such as "Neu_Meerbeck," and the strengthening of language support show that Moers is not only relying on short-term solutions but acting long-term and sustainably. The challenges are great, but the political and social impulses show that Moers is on the right path.