Social Services and Housing Planning in Paderborn – March 2026

Social Services and Housing in Paderborn: Challenges and Initiatives

In March 2026, the city of Paderborn engaged intensively with social service structures, housing planning, and the future of addiction support. With a growing population and continuously rising rents, pressure is mounting on the city to provide affordable housing and ensure social services.

Housing Policy: Between Demand and Shortage

The inquiry from the Die Linke party on the development of subsidized housing reflected the increasing pressure on the city. According to the latest data, the waiting list includes several hundred people, while rents continue to rise. Students and professionals are increasingly seeking housing, further intensifying the demand for affordable accommodation.

The administration is reviewing a housing procurement program aimed at a yearly new demand of 500 to 700 housing units. The focus lies on social and affordable housing options, particularly important for clients of the homeless support services, the women’s shelter, and welfare associations.

Social Counseling Services: Structures and Funding

The SPD faction inquired about the structure of social counseling services in Paderborn. The city cooperates closely with welfare associations but also operates its own counseling centers. A clear distinction between municipal and privately operated services is not always present. The SPD called for better networking and clear interfaces to avoid overlaps and more efficiently address the demand for counseling.

Another focus was the Coordination Office for Refugees (KOST). The SPD inquired about staffing, funding, and key areas of work. KOST collaborates closely with the Municipal Integration Center and other institutions to support refugees in the city.

Addiction Support and Drug Policy: Impacts of a Rehab Unit Closure

A particularly sensitive issue was the planned closure of the rehab unit for people with addiction problems at the LWL Clinic Paderborn. The FDP/Volt/FBI faction inquired about the impact on local care, possible alternatives, and the city's role in ensuring accessible addiction support services.

In addition, a motion was submitted to explore the establishment of a drug consumption room or a drug support center in Paderborn. The faction inquired about the planning status, funding models, and the involvement of political committees in the discussion. At the same time, a request was made regarding the development of drug-related issues, crime statistics, and prevention initiatives.

Integration Policy: A New Concept for People with a Migration Background

Paderborn is working on a new integration concept that builds on the migration policy action plan from 2007 and is aligned with the guidelines of the Paderborn district. The concept is developed in collaboration with the Municipal Integration Center and the Integration Council and is to be revised at least every five years.

A central goal is socially oriented integration, with community work playing a key role. An example is the neighborhood work in Kaukenberg, where the city covers the rent for premises to ensure a local meeting and counseling service.

2026 Budget: Cuts and Priorities

In the 2026 budget for the social services department, several cuts were made, including the cancellation of the senior afternoon event on Libori and reductions in grants for various social projects. The city justified this with the strained financial situation and the need to set priorities.

Social projects not integrated into existing structures or lacking clear relevance to social planning were excluded from funding. This affected, for example, the community offer "das tralala – Living Room for the Young and the Elderly," whose funding application was rejected.

Conclusion: Between Consolidation and Social Responsibility

The debates in March 2026 show that Paderborn is facing a wide range of social challenges. The city must consolidate its budget on one hand, while also securing and expanding social infrastructure on the other. The future of housing planning, addiction support, and integration will be decisive for the city's social stability.