Postponed forces move into empty youth housing: "We have really tried to be creative"

Aalborg Tries New Solution for Empty Youth Housing Units to House Vulnerable Citizens

Aalborg Municipality is struggling to find affordable housing for vulnerable citizens affected by the government's welfare reform. In Aalborg, a new solution is being tested.

Aalborg Municipality is facing a shortage of affordable housing for vulnerable citizens, who have been affected by the government's welfare reform. (Photo: © Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix) 26 minutes ago

Many young people are desperately searching for an affordable home in the large cities - but not in Aalborg.

In recent years, there have been many youth housing units built in Aalborg, leaving around 1,500 vacant. 15 of them are located on Ribevej in the eastern part of the city.

If one is in the process of an education, one can move into a rent of under 3,500 DKK per month, but it seems that the students cannot afford it.

Now that they are not being used, the municipality and Himmerland Housing Association have come up with an idea: To use them for the many vulnerable citizens who are struggling to find an affordable home.

As early as December 1st, the first vulnerable citizens can move into a youth housing unit on Ribevej in Aalborg East. (Photo: © Aalborg Municipality)

This solution makes a lot of sense, says TinaMaria Larsen, head of social initiatives in Aalborg Municipality

- We have some housing units that are for rent. So we can provide a home for more, and at the same time we can find out if it is possible to make more places, now that we have too many youth housing units in Aalborg.

Thousands of welfare recipients were significantly reduced in their allowance from July 1st this year, when the new welfare reform came into effect.

Read also: Welfare agreement hits hard: Across the country, there is fear that welfare recipients will be left on the street ( https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/politik/kontanthjaelpsaftale-rammer-haardt-i-hele-landet-frygter-man-kontanthjaelpsmodtagere-bliver-sat-paa )

Aalborg is one of the municipalities that fears that many citizens will become homeless in the near future, as they can no longer afford their rent.

- We have really tried to be creative. We know that we are standing on a burning platform with the welfare reform, so we are happy that this can be done, says TinaMaria Larsen.

*Everyone should feel secure*

Himmerland Housing Association is one of the parties that have built many youth housing units in Aalborg in recent years, which are now vacant.

Director Ole Nielsen denies that the association is only making the housing units available for the vulnerable to earn some rental income.

- We are a common housing association, set up to help all who may have problems finding a home. We are non-profit, so we should not make a profit, says he.

In the first instance, it is only the housing units on Ribevej that are part of the agreement, as we want to test if it is a sustainable solution. When 15 vulnerable citizens move into a housing area, we must be aware of the neighbors, says Ole Nielsen.

- It is clear that we must use all our efforts to create a good environment. Not least for those who already live there, but also for our new residents.

In addition, each vulnerable citizen will be assigned a case worker from the municipality, who can help with daily challenges.

The municipality and housing association have also held a meeting with the residents in the area to ensure that everyone feels secure, says TinaMaria Larsen.

- It is primarily young people who live in the area. And I am incredibly happy for the youth, as they have been very receptive.

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