BAG Wohnungslosenhilfe
The
Federal Working Group on Homeless Assistance e.V. (BAG W)
editThe Federal Working Group on Homeless Assistance e.V. (BAG W) is a nationwide working group that has been committed to supporting and integrating homeless and socially marginalized people since its founding in 1954 – originally as the Federal Working Group for Assistance to the Homeless.
Key Products and Services
editThe BAG W coordinates and promotes the work of its member organizations, which consist of public and private welfare providers as well as self-help organizations for homeless people. The central tasks include:
- Coordination and Integration Tasks: The BAG W coordinates communication and professional exchange at the federal level on interdisciplinary issues with adjacent support systems of social work and the social benefit providers of social, health, and housing policy[1][2][4].
- Political and Professional Influence: It influences social and housing policy as well as legislation through statements, suggestions, and public relations work to improve the situation of people affected by housing shortages and social exclusion[4].
- Subject Areas and Projects: The BAG W addresses a variety of subject areas, including work and qualification, health and medical care, Housing First, migration and emergency housing assistance, as well as specific projects like the SuWoKo project, which promotes cooperation between addiction and emergency housing assistance[4][5].
Main Mission and Values
editThe main mission of the BAG W is to provide a dignified place in society for people threatened and affected by homelessness, poverty, and social exclusion. This is achieved by promoting citizen- and community-oriented homeless assistance that is tailored to the specific life situations of homeless people. The BAG W advocates for the social re-integration and re-communalization of those affected and works on joint solution strategies with all stakeholders[1][3][4].
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editThe BAG W pursues several sustainable goals and initiatives:
- Professional and Legal Concepts: Development and promotion of cross-association, professional, lawful, and needs-based concepts for municipal and regional provision as well as support services[4].
- Projects and Collaborations: Through projects like SuWoKo, the provision of people with addiction issues in emergency housing situations is improved. These collaborations are supported by funding, e.g., from the Federal Ministry of Health[5].
- Conferences and Publications: Regular conferences and publications, such as the professional journal wohnungslos, serve to exchange and discuss current topics and challenges[4].
The BAG W is committed to addressing overarching problems and fundamental questions of homeless assistance and developing joint solution strategies with all stakeholders to ensure sustainable and dignified support.