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Cologne in crisis: Homeless people and aggressive begging are unsettling citizens!
Homelessness is escalating in Cologne: citizens report aggressive begging and are calling for a concept to improve the situation.
Cologne in crisis: Homeless people and aggressive begging are unsettling citizens!
The homeless problem in Cologne has increasingly affected citizens' minds in recent months. The EXPRESS.de editorial team received numerous submissions on this topic EXPRESS reported. The reports include vivid descriptions of passing citizens who encounter the sometimes aggressive behavior of homeless people.
A reader, Maria T., describes that at Pentecost she observed a homeless person living on a bench on the Rautenstrauch Canal. He reacted aggressively when spoken to, which walkers find annoying. Maria also criticized the unauthorized use of parking areas and the lack of toilets, which led to an unpleasant smell and littering in the area. Another city resident expressed displeasure at the behavior of a homeless man for whom he was buying water, noting that begging now often appears very organized.
Growing begging and social problems
General begging is also increasing in Cologne Review online reported. The district mayor Andreas Hupke describes the situation as “extreme excesses” and calls for society to act together. He suggests setting up a task force to provide professional help for alcoholics and drug addicts.
The city of Cologne already offers a comprehensive support system with eight contact and advice centers. A drug consumption room on Neumarkt also provides health and exit support. However, these offers of help are subject to the proviso that they cannot be enforced against the will of those affected. This often leads to homeless people staying in busy street areas where they can cover their existential needs by collecting bottles or donations.
Society's reactions
The homelessness debate has also triggered emotional reactions. Readers like Iris K. appeal to humanity and criticize the negative reporting. She calls for giving something to people in need and speaks of “divine justice” or “karma” in connection with supporting the homeless.
A worrying incident illustrates the drama of the situation: a 63-year-old homeless man died in front of the Odeon cinema. These and similar events provoke emotional reactions from residents and business people. Parents now avoid heavily frequented places like Chlodwigplatz due to aggressive begging.
The Südstadt interest group is urgently calling for an overall concept to improve the situation. Alice Baker, the spokeswoman for this interest group, is alarmed about the developments in Cologne and their impact on tourists and business people.
A new concept is being planned that will expand the work of the four street workers and experts in combating addiction who are already working. The issue remains on the city's agenda and in public discussion as the people of Cologne struggle to find a solution to the complex problems.