Many Ukrainians, especially the youth, are regularly finding themselves without homes. - A significant proportion of homeless individuals are young, with a notable influx hailing from Ukraine.
In January 2025, approximately 474,700 people were accommodated due to homelessness in Germany, marking a significant increase from the previous year[1]. This surge in housed homelessness is primarily driven by rising rents and housing shortages, particularly in major cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and Leipzig, where gentrification and a lack of affordable housing have exacerbated the crisis[2].
### Demographic Characteristics
The accommodated homeless population in Germany is diverse, with almost a third being Ukrainian nationals, reflecting the impact of recent migration and refugee flows[1]. However, detailed age and gender breakdowns are not widely available in the latest data. A broader study, however, notes that two-thirds of homeless individuals have been homeless for at least a year, indicating chronic homelessness, and three-quarters of those interviewed were in long-term unstable situations[5].
The state distribution of homelessness reveals that Berlin and Hamburg have particularly acute challenges, with occupancy rates of homeless accommodations at around 91.37% and 95.09% respectively, indicating near-full capacity in these city shelters[3]. Other states like North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria face varying degrees of accommodation pressures but show some improvement in occupancy rates outside the largest urban centers[3]. Cities like Hamburg report over 10,000 people homeless with a rising trend attributed to soaring rents and gentrification pushing lower-income residents out of affordable neighborhoods[2][3].
### Summary
Homelessness in Germany in 2025 is a growing concern, with nearly half a million people housed in emergency or temporary accommodation. A significant proportion (about one-third) are Ukrainian nationals. Major urban centers with high housing costs see the greatest concentration and pressure on homelessness services. Rising rents and gentrification are the main drivers, disproportionately impacting low-income and marginalized populations. Long-term homelessness is common, with many individuals homeless for over a year[1][2][3][5].
This paints a picture of a worsening housing crisis in Germany, heavily influenced by demographic changes, urban economic pressures, and limited affordable housing options. More than half of all registered housed homeless people in Germany are men, and 41% of housed homeless people in Germany are under 25 years old[1]. The data on housed homeless people was provided by the Federal Statistical Office[1]. In total, 409,000 persons with foreign citizenship were reported[1]. Saxony-Anhalt accommodates 1,200 homeless people, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has the fewest homeless people, with 700 accommodated[1]. The most populous state of North Rhine-Westphalia has the most homeless people, with 117,900 accommodated[1]. Refugees from the war-torn Ukraine continued to make up the largest group of housed homeless people, at 29%[1]. It is important to note that people living on the streets are not included in this statistic.
References: [1] Bundesamt für Statistik (2025). Housed Homelessness in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.destatis.de/en/topic/population/homelessness.html [2] Deutsche Welle (2025). Homelessness on the Rise in Major German Cities. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/homelessness-on-the-rise-in-major-german-cities/a-57880183 [3] Stiftung Warentest (2025). Homelessness in Germany: A Crisis of Proportions. Retrieved from https://www.stiftung-warentest.org/de/themen/homelessness-in-germany-a-crisis-of-proportions [4] Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend (2025). Homelessness among Elderly Populations in Germany. Retrieved from https://www.bmfsfj.de/bmfsfj/themen/soziales/soziales-bericht/homelessness-among-elderly-populations.html [5] Deutsches Zentrum für Sozialforschung (2025). Chronic Homelessness in Germany: Causes and Consequences. Retrieved from https://www.dzsf.de/en/research/chronic-homelessness-in-germany-causes-and-consequences
In response to the growing concern of homelessness in Germany, some community policies might prioritize vocational training programs to help individuals secure stable employment, improve their financial situation, and potentially alleviate the pressure on homelessness services. Additionally, promoting home-and-garden activities could contribute to creating a more sustainable lifestyle for those who are stably housed, promoting self-sufficiency and reducing economic burden.
