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Homes for Vulnerable Target Groups

People may find themselves in a disadvantaged position in the housing market for various reasons. Those affected or threatened by homelessness and people who have been forced to flee their homeland need special protection and support in their search for a home. We offer them somewhere to come to. The “Housing First” approach and associated network help us to make a substantial contribution to combating homelessness. We are committed to building an inclusive society by helping refugees, especially those from Ukraine, quickly and without any excessive bureaucracy. Our dedication to diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our corporate culture. 

Our Objectives and Performance Indicators

Our goal is to provide particularly vulnerable people—especially those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, as well as refugees—with access to safe, secure, and long-term housing. In doing so, we make an active contribution to strengthening social cohesion within our neighborhoods and easing pressure on tight housing markets.

Our Management Approach

At Vonovia, we leverage our core expertise—the provision and management of residential housing—as a key driver of social impact. Our approach is based on enabling vulnerable people to access standard, open-ended tenancy agreements and supporting them through tailored assistance that helps ensure long-term housing stability.

By providing permanent rental homes, building long-term partnerships with municipalities and social service organizations, and implementing targeted support and awareness initiatives, we promote the sustainable integration of vulnerable groups into the mainstream housing market while raising awareness of important social issues. At the same time, we strengthen the social resilience of our neighborhoods and combine long-term business stability with social responsibility.

Our Contribution to Housing for Vulnerable Groups

Tackling Homelessness

To address homelessness, we primarily follow the Housing First approach. This model enables people experiencing homelessness to move directly into permanent, mainstream housing, regardless of existing social or health-related challenges. Individualized support is then provided in close cooperation with social service organizations, helping residents establish stability while avoiding prolonged stays in temporary accommodation.

A key element of this approach is our close collaboration with partner organizations such as the German Housing First Association (Bundesverband Housing First e.V.), local authorities, and regional initiatives including “Endlich ein ZUHAUSE!” in North Rhine-Westphalia. We also integrate Housing First principles into selected neighborhood development and new-build projects.

One example is a BUWOG residential development in Berlin, where dedicated premises were created for the homeless support facility Haus Strohhalm. The operating organization was involved from the earliest planning stages to ensure the building met users' needs, resulting in accommodation for more than 40 people.

Familie mit kleinem Kind winkt und lächelt in Türöffnung.

Supporting Refugees

We also respond quickly and pragmatically to the housing needs of refugees. By reactivating the Housing Map—a coordination platform originally established during the 2015–2016 refugee crisis—we help municipalities identify and allocate available housing, including properties beyond Vonovia's own portfolio.

In addition, we mobilize internal resources, such as our in-house maintenance teams, and provide practical support including furnishing apartments so that homes can be made available at short notice. In selected regions, we also work with civil society organizations to provide protected housing for unaccompanied refugee minors.

Raising Awareness of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence against women—particularly violence committed by current or former partners—remains a widespread yet insufficiently recognized issue in Germany. Protecting women and girls requires a comprehensive approach that combines prevention, legal protection, safe accommodation, and support services. Raising public awareness is an essential part of this effort.

Together with the non-profit organization "Frauen helfen Frauen e.V.", Vonovia has launched an awareness campaign to support people affected by domestic violence and encourage neighbors to recognize warning signs and take action. Posters and postcards distributed across numerous residential communities help inform residents about available support services and promote greater awareness of the issue.

In addition, Vonovia supports women's shelters and emergency accommodation for survivors of domestic violence through financial donations and by providing protected apartments where needed.

Further Information

The nationwide "Violence Against Women" Helpline provides free, confidential, anonymous, and accessible support 24 hours a day for women affected by violence, people in their social environment, and professionals. Advice is available in German and 18 additional languages by calling 116 016.

For more information, please visit: www.hilfetelefon.de

The mobile app developed by "Gewaltfrei in die Zukunft e.V." provides people affected by domestic violence with easy access to information and support services and serves as a bridge to Germany's existing support network.

For more information, please visit: www.gewaltfrei-in-die-zukunft.de

Homes for Vulnerable Target Groups

Our Objectives and Performance Indicators

Our Management Approach

Our Contribution to Housing for Vulnerable Groups

Tackling Homelessness

Supporting Refugees

Raising Awareness of Domestic Violence

Links