Housing First @ Vringstreff

Housing First gives homeless people in Cologne a home again, with a real tenancy agreement of their own. The new home is the starting point for further help and support on the way to a more hopeful life. Vringstreff e. V. brought Housing First to Cologne in 2019 and has been active itself since 2020.

In concrete terms: Who is eligible for Housing First in Cologne?
Five social organisations, including Vringstreff, have been commissioned by the City of Cologne to implement Housing First since 2025. The aim of this Housing First cooperation is to reach a specific group of people in Cologne in order to give them the opportunity to enjoy the human right to housing. The following are therefore eligible for Housing First in Cologne:

1. People who in Cologne live permanently on the street, or
2. People who are constantly travelling between emergency accommodation in Cologne (none hotels) and a stay on the road in Cologne.

What housing with Housing First means: Homeless people first receive their own tenancy agreement with all rights and obligations. They are then offered professional support to help them keep their home and achieve their other goals for organising their lives. The professional help and support are an integral part of the concept - but they are voluntary and closely orientated towards the tenants' individual goals and wishes. Unlike other homeless assistance concepts, such as assisted living, housing and assistance are not directly interdependent.