15 Homeless Individuals Died in Hamburg This Year, Raising Concerns
Hamburg, January 30 – A distressing statistic has emerged from Hamburg: 15 homeless individuals have died in the city since the beginning of the year. This figure was confirmed by the public prosecutor’s office to NDR, following an initial report by the “taz” newspaper. The deaths occurred in various locations across the city, including near the Wilhelmsburg S-Bahn station, behind the central train station, on Lombardsbrücke, within the Winter Emergency Program shelters, and in hospitals.
CDU: “Hamburg has a massive problem”
Andreas Grutzeck of the CDU has voiced strong concerns, stating that “Hamburg has a massive problem in protecting homeless people.” Grutzeck, who had previously inquired with the Senate about the number of homeless deaths, accuses the city administration of failing to acknowledge and address these evident shortcomings. The Senate, in response, points to its Winter Emergency Program, which has had available beds every day this year, and other existing support services in the city.
Grutzeck emphasizes that effective assistance requires understanding why individuals, despite life-threatening risks, choose not to use the available shelters. He calls for an honest analysis, concrete improvements, and a support system that genuinely considers the realities faced by those experiencing homelessness. Jörn Sturm, managing director of “Hinz&Kunzt” (a street magazine for the homeless), advocates for shelters to be open all day, where long-term solutions for overcoming homelessness can be developed collaboratively with the individuals concerned.
Social Authority: “Accommodation significantly expanded”
The Social Authority maintains that the city has significantly expanded its accommodation options for homeless individuals. They assert that the current system is more diverse, sensitive to specific target groups, and better networked than in the past. In the entire previous year, 28 homeless people died on Hamburg’s streets.
Survey: Homeless in Hamburg increasingly destitute
A survey conducted by the Hamburg Social Authority among homeless individuals regarding their health revealed that a large proportion reported permanent impairments. Furthermore, researchers from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) have investigated drug use among the homeless to better tailor assistance.
City of Hamburg launches Winter Emergency Program for the Homeless
The city’s Winter Emergency Program offers 700 sleeping places in shelters located in Hammerbrook and Moorfleet. This initiative aims to protect individuals from freezing temperatures during the colder months.
Destitution in St. Georg: Accusations against Social Authority and Police
Many residents in the area around Hamburg’s central train station feel neglected, leading to significant criticism directed at both the police and the Social Authority regarding the increasing destitution in St. Georg.
This topic was broadcast on NDR 90.3 | NDR 90.3 Aktuell | 30.01.2026 | 06:00 Uhr.
Other news from Hamburg on NDR.de includes: a man dragging a woman in front of an approaching subway train, resulting in both deaths; a warning strike in public transport called by Ver.di for Monday; the grandparents of the children becoming the focus in the Block trial; and criticism of a Palestinian meeting held in Hamburg University premises.
