Social Justice in Flensburg: A Month in Focus on Social and Housing Policy

Social Justice in Flensburg: What April 2026 Achieved

Social justice and inclusive urban development remain central in Flensburg. April 2026 brought a range of decisions and initiatives that not only enable concrete improvements for disadvantaged population groups but also address structural shortcomings. The city's policy relies on networking, evaluation, and long-term planning – three key pillars for advancing social and housing policy.

Shelter for the Homeless: Transparent Fees and Financial Security

A central step in April was the revision of the fee regulation for the accommodation of homeless individuals. The new regulation, effective from July 1, 2026, sets a daily cost of 16 euros for single persons and 29 euros for families. Users receiving basic social security (SGB XII) are exempt from the fee, while the city continues to cover 37.2% of the costs for users receiving SGB II benefits.

This regulation is not only a financial decision but also symbolic. It shows that Flensburg aims to provide access to social services for all – without neglecting the financial situation of those affected. The expected additional income of around 90,000 euros per year will be invested in the stability of the system.

Queer Safety: PROUDqueer as a Model Project

Another highlight was the continuation of the counseling service PROUDqueer, which supports LGBTQIA+ individuals in Flensburg affected by anti-queer violence. With an annual municipal funding of 21,400 euros, the project is secured until 2031. The counseling is low-threshold and includes in-person, telephone, and digital formats – a necessary response to the increasing number of anti-queer crimes in Germany and the structural disadvantages many LGBTQIA+ individuals experience in Flensburg.

The utilization of the service is impressive: In 2025, 107 counseling sessions were conducted with 89 individuals. Particularly affected are young and middle-aged people, with verbal and physical violence being the most common forms. PROUDqueer fills a clear gap in service provision and strengthens the resilience of those affected.

Integration of Young People: The Success of JAW Flensburg

The Youth Development Organization (JAW) Flensburg is another example of sustainable social work. With a success rate of over 80% in transitioning to education or work, JAW focuses on long-term integration. In 2025, around 1,700 participants were supported in projects, with approximately 100 young people placed annually in a stable future.

The youth unemployment rate in Flensburg is at 6.5%, significantly above the national average. JAW addresses not only the lack of occupational orientation but also psychosocial and linguistic barriers. The financial support through project-specific funds (refinancing rate: 86%) enables economically viable work – with positive effects on social insurance and the labor market.

Movement and Health: Prevention as a Future Investment

The "VERBUND" project demonstrates how prevention is implemented in Flensburg. In Mürwik, the program promotes physical activity among older people through outdoor fitness, freestyle dancing, and walks. Funded by the statutory health insurance with 110,000 euros, the project has been in operation since 2024. The work of the movement coordinators is central – they network, organize, and evaluate the offerings.

The planned expansion to other districts and intergenerational offerings underline the long-term approach. Physical activity is not only a health factor here but also a social integrator – especially in heterogeneous districts.

What's Next?

April 2026 has shown that Flensburg has a clear signature in social and housing policy: Inclusion, networking, and sustainability. The coming months will be decisive for the implementation of the inclusive action plan and the further development of the care needs plan. The digitalization of social services and the strengthening of queer safety remain central topics that the city will continue to develop in the coming years.