Housing Crisis, Accessibility, and Social Integration in Solingen – A Focus Month in April 2026

Housing Crisis, Accessibility, and Social Integration in Solingen – April 2026

In April 2026, the city of Solingen engaged in intensive discussions on social affairs and housing policy. The topics ranged from addressing the housing crisis and promoting accessibility for the elderly to tackling digital exclusion and supporting refugees. A variety of meetings were held to discuss concrete measures and developments aimed at ensuring social participation and quality of life for all population groups.

Accessibility and Home-Based Care

A central issue was the demand for a barrier-free city transformation. The Senior Advisory Council and the Advisory Council for People with Disabilities unanimously called for the extension of the Vogelsang Family Bath with a barrier-free therapy pool. At the same time, the concept "Solingen – your senior-friendly city" was further developed. The goal is to create standards in public buildings, transportation, lighting, and shopping areas that are accessible to everyone.

Another focus was the principle of "home care before institutional care." This model aims to support people in need of care for as long as possible in their familiar environment. To this end, advisory services for seniors, people with disabilities, and those in need of care have been integrated into the city administration. These consultations not only provide practical assistance but also contribute to self-determination.

Housing Crisis and Homelessness – A Growing Problem

The housing crisis in Solingen has worsened. Particularly due to forced evictions, hospital discharges, and fire incidents, the number of homeless people has increased. The city's emergency shelters, with 100 beds, are overburdened, which constitutes a violation of housing rights standards. Additionally, hidden homelessness – the accommodation of people at friends' or family's homes – is increasing, especially among women.

The project ProMie+ has proven to be successful. By April 2026, 135 homeless people were placed in more stable housing. The project, which runs until 2027, combines the work of a social worker with a real estate specialist and offers up to 12 months of support after placement. It is funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the EU.

Another issue is the increasing number of people with mental health concerns in emergency shelters. To address this, a monthly psychiatric outpatient clinic was introduced in the facilities in November 2024. A close cooperation with the LVR Clinic, GISS, and PTV supports mental health care.

Digital Exclusion and Analog Participation

Digital exclusion also came into focus. Many seniors do not have mobile phones or cannot afford technology. In response, the Senior Advisory Council demands clear rules: analog alternatives must be maintained in public authorities, local transportation, and banking services. The resolution on fare increases and digitalization in the Rhine-Ruhr Transport Association (VRR) from November 2025 remains in place. A legal opinion from the Data Protection Expertise Network confirmed that there is a right to analog alternatives.

The demand for telephone accessibility and office hours instead of exclusively digital offerings has also been taken up by public authorities. This is a step toward avoiding digital division and ensuring social participation.

Integration and Equal Opportunities

Integration efforts in Solingen remain a central focus. With over 23 VZÄ (integration centers) and a budget of nearly 2.3 million euros, the city offers a wide range of language courses, orientation courses, and advisory services. The Mobile Translation Service (MÜD) carried out 676 assignments in 2025, thus breaking down language barriers.

The Steering Committee for Integration has been reappointed, and a uniform logo is now used to strengthen the state-wide identity. The goal remains to understand integration as a process – arriving, participating, shaping. The city relies on structural measures such as language acquisition, education, employment, health, and legal knowledge.

Conclusion: A Step in the Right Direction

April 2026 has shown that Solingen is actively and diversely addressing social challenges. Whether in combating the housing crisis, promoting barrier-free living conditions, or supporting refugees: The city demonstrates that it takes social responsibility seriously. However, the challenges remain significant. The increasing homelessness, digital exclusion, and growing mental health burden in the population require sustainable solutions. Solingen has promising approaches – now it is time to implement them and establish them in the long term.