Displaced individuals, including refugees and the homeless, relocate to a previously vacant hotel facility.
New Refugee and Homeless Accommodation to Open in Biberach
In September, a significant new accommodation for refugees and homeless individuals will open on Riverside Street 2 in Biberach. This development is a response to the ongoing need for safe, temporary housing and social support for those in need.
The former Hotel zur Riss will serve as more than just a living space, aiming to become an integrative meeting point for residents, users, and neighbours. The city's integration officer, Daniel Poßeckert, will dedicate 50 percent of his working time to this new accommodation, acting as a central coordination office to connect various interests and actors.
The position, funded by municipal funds, will be responsible for organizing and developing on-site offers, including integration and German courses, consultations, and meeting opportunities. The adult education center (Vhs) will also use the ground floor of the building to offer educational programs.
The city council has decided to provide approximately 38,000 euros annually from its own budget for this purpose, as federal funding from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees is no longer available.
City council members across the political spectrum have expressed support for the project but also pointed out open points for improvement. Members of the SPD, CDU, Greens, Free Voters, and FDP have all voiced their opinions on the project's goals and the importance of active neighbour involvement.
Peter Schmogro (CDU) described the project as a pilot project that should open new ways, comparing the social worker position to a reception responsible for the guests' well-being. Karen Deibler (Free Voters) praised the project's goal but wondered why the new position is only planned as part-time and not as a full-time position. Hildegard Ostermeyer (FDP) considered the additional position necessary but criticized the undefined task areas of the involved actors. Elise Allgaier (SPD) saw good chances for lived inclusion and real participation at the new accommodation. Manfred Wilhelm (Greens) found the coordinating task meaningful and valuable, emphasizing the importance of involving neighbours actively from the beginning.
For detailed and current information about the Biberach project goals, funding sources, and the city council's position, it is recommended to consult official Biberach city government press releases or the city's website, minutes or recordings of recent city council meetings, or local news outlets covering municipal social housing or refugee accommodation projects.
- The new accommodation in Biberach, expected to open in September, aims not only to provide home-and-garden and temporary shelter for refugees and homeless individuals, but also to foster a Region where the community interacts and integrates.
- In addition to serving as a living space, the former Hotel zur Riss will feature general-news such as integration and German courses, consultations, and meeting opportunities, supported by the city council and various local political parties.
