Mainz strengthens help for mentally impaired homeless people
The Accommodation Plus in Mainz is further expanding its range of places: The capacity of the specialized facility for homeless people with mental impairments and special support needs has been increased from the original ten to 13 places. At the same time, one position in the social services department was also increased in order to meet the increasing demand and the complex needs of the target group.
“Behind every additional spot is a person who has often endured many traumatic experiences and has so far been unable to find support within the existing social services system,” says Jana Schmöller, Director of Social Services. “By expanding our capacity and strengthening our social services, we are taking responsibility for precisely these individuals. We want to provide them with a safe environment where they can find peace, build trust, and develop new perspectives.”
The “Unterkunft Plus” program is aimed at people with diagnosed mental illnesses and/or specific behavioral or psychological challenges who have not yet found adequate support for their diverse stressful situations within existing care services. It is also evident in Mainz that many homeless people suffer from mental health conditions. This often makes it difficult for them to accept existing support services, whether due to a lack of insight into their condition caused by their symptoms or because the support system has not yet been sufficiently tailored to the specific needs of this target group.
A specialized, combined service for homeless and mentally ill individuals did not exist in this form until the launch of the Unterkunft Plus facility. After the city council approved the corresponding concept in March 2023, Unterkunft Plus was established as a low-threshold facility that combines care, protection, and intensive social-educational support.
The initial goal is to ensure basic care for the residents and prevent a deterioration of their living situation. In the long term, those affected are to be integrated into the existing support system under SGB IX.
SGB IX (Social Code Book IX) governs the rehabilitation and participation of people with disabilities in Germany. The goal is to prevent or reduce disadvantages, promote self-determination, and enable full participation in working life and society. It encompasses medical, vocational, and social services.
The key areas of support at Unterkunft Plus include creating safe spaces, crisis intervention, support for independent living, access to medical assistance, counseling on securing a livelihood, and social integration.
Unterkunft Plus is a program offered by the City of Mainz and the first facility of its kind in Rhineland-Palatinate. Comparable programs exist only in Cologne, Bielefeld, Leipzig, Dortmund, and Münster. Social services for the facility are provided by Mission Leben, an experienced partner in homeless assistance.
Admission is decided by a joint conference; prior to admission to the conference, an initial interview with staff from Unterkunft Plus and a subsequent review of eligibility for housing by the City of Mainz are required.
With the expansion of Unterkunft Plus, the City of Mainz is sending a clear signal in favor of needs-based, specialized support for particularly vulnerable people and is sustainably strengthening its existing support system.