Munich, August 16 – A new initiative, ‘MietMachen München gGmbH,’ has been launched in the Bavarian capital to address the persistent housing shortage, particularly for vulnerable groups. Spearheaded by the Catholic Men’s Aid Association (KMFV e.V.) in collaboration with private and public partners, the project aims to provide stable housing for individuals who face significant challenges in the traditional rental market, including the homeless, single parents, and those with a migrant background.
New Hope for the Homeless: Jony James E.’s Story
Jony James E., 33, is one of the first beneficiaries of this initiative. After a long period of homelessness and living in a KMFV men’s shelter, he struggled to find affordable housing despite working as a service professional in gastronomy. Even with a moderate income, he consistently faced rejections in Munich’s competitive housing market.
Today, Jony James E. resides in a two-room apartment in northern Munich, a place secured through ‘MietMachen München.’ “It has changed a lot. With an apartment, you have a base and can continue in a completely different way,” he stated, visibly relieved. He and his partner have since welcomed a daughter, and both are now employed, allowing them to take over the lease directly from ‘MietMachen München,’ marking a significant step towards independence.
A Collaborative Effort to Combat Housing Scarcity
The KMFV has been working for years to organize housing assistance in Munich. Last year, several key supporters joined forces to create ‘MietMachen München.’ These include the Renate Stichter Foundation, which supports single parents and their children; Hirn Herz Hand e.V., an association founded by management consultants; and the International Federation, which has a long history of assisting the homeless.
The project receives crucial funding from both the Free State of Bavaria and the City of Munich. The core principle of ‘MietMachen München’ involves the initiative signing rental agreements directly with landlords, guaranteeing regular rent payments, and managing all administrative tasks. This approach significantly reduces the risk for property owners, making them more willing to rent to individuals who might otherwise be overlooked.
Early Successes and Future Prospects
David Diekmann, managing director of ‘MietMachen München gGmbH,’ expressed optimism despite the initial small number of successful placements. “What encourages me is that so many are willing to contribute living space, land, and ideas, even pro bono, for the public good, to develop something with us,” he commented.
Vonovia, a publicly traded real estate company, has been a key supporter from the outset, providing ten apartments from its portfolio and committing to offering ten more annually. Andrea Günther, Vonovia’s regional manager, emphasized the company’s motivation: “For us, it is crucial that we want to support the initiative and the KMFV to give citizens who come from homelessness a new home. Housing is a basic need; everyone should have access to it.”
With approximately 6,000 apartments in Munich, and about 300 becoming available each year, Vonovia acknowledges that ten apartments may seem modest but views it as a significant starting point with potential for expansion.
Seeking Socially Minded Landlords
While the initiative provides vital support, the rents are set at market-comparable rates, around 16 euros per square meter, which is still considered affordable in Munich. ‘MietMachen München’ is actively seeking property owners who prioritize social impact alongside financial returns, looking for landlords willing to rent for less than 20 euros per square meter rather than 30 euros.
The initiative is looking for various types of housing, including rental apartments, temporary living spaces, shared flats, and even houses. They are also exploring the conversion of commercial properties into residential units, with one such project already underway.
Munich’s Broader Housing Challenge
The city of Munich allocates approximately 3,000 social housing units annually, yet the demand is ten times higher, highlighting the severity of the housing crisis. Initiatives like ‘MietMachen München’ offer a glimmer of hope in a city where finding affordable accommodation remains a significant challenge for many.
The project’s success underscores the importance of collaboration between non-profit organizations, private companies, and government bodies to address complex social issues like homelessness and housing insecurity. By reducing risks for landlords and providing comprehensive support to tenants, ‘MietMachen München’ is creating pathways to stable living for Munich’s most vulnerable residents.
Source: https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/muenchen-neue-initiative-kaempft-gegen-wohnungsnot,VSGAnP8
