Discussion in Villach

The new offer for homeless people causes criticism

Housing for the homeless is a source of debate in Villach. There is criticism of the "Housing First" project.

(Bild: Jöchl Martin/KRONEN ZEITUNG)

The town on the river Drau would like to provide accommodation and support for those affected. However, the concept has met with great criticism from some self-proclaimed experts.

"Housing First" is an international project for housing the homeless. Instead of accommodating those affected in their own homeless shelters, the concept involves finding them an apartment and offering them social support. The Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs now also wants to prioritize this concept.

In Carinthia, Volkshilfe and Caritas have been awarded the contract for implementation. In Villach, "Housing First" is already being implemented with a private housing provider. "So far, we have already helped homeless people with small apartments and support from social workers. Now this approach is being expanded," explains Deputy Mayor Gerda Sandriesser.

As part of the project, clients receive social support for at least six months. Sandriesser: "Like many experts around the world, we believe this is a humane approach." However, the concept has been criticized. The hurdles for those affected to seek help are too high and would act as a deterrent. Emergency rooms, similar to a shelter, are needed to help everyone, it is claimed.

"Everyone should have a roof over their head and support" 
Sandriesser rejects this criticism: "In our emergency dormitories, we already handle this in such a way that our social workers are on site to offer assistance on request. Housing First is a low-threshold service. Our aim is not to leave people in difficult situations to fend for themselves. We want to offer every Villach resident a roof over their head plus the support of a social worker for six months."