Begging camp in Hadern: Residents complain about garbage and rats!

Begging camp in Hadern: Residents complain about garbage and rats!

In the Hadern district, under a motorway bridge on Senftenauerweg, a group of Romanian beggars have been settling for years. The situation creates a mixed feeling among residents: on the one hand, they show compassion for the people in need, but on the other hand, many complain about the problems that their presence brings with it. Garbage and rats in particular are the big issues. The residents have therefore taken action and decided to build a fence to restrict access to the beggars' camp. The tz reports that residents spoke openly at a citizens' meeting in October and sought solutions together.

There are several mattresses, bags and shoes in their camp under the bridge, but the area appears relatively clean. During the day, up to ten beggars can be found at Laimer Platz, Haderner Stern or at Lidl, where they ask for money. Despite repeated evictions by the police, the beggars return regularly. These have already been checked over 60 times and there are numerous reports. To deal with the problem, the highway department checks the camp once or twice a month and recently blocked an entrance with a wire fence to prevent returns.

The role of homelessness in Germany

The problem in Hadern is part of a larger phenomenon: homelessness is a visible form of absolute poverty in Germany, especially in urban areas. According to a current study, around 532,000 people were living without a permanent home at the beginning of 2024, including around 47,300 who were considered homeless. The main reason for the loss of one's own living space is rent arrears, an issue that is particularly explosive in large cities like Munich, where rents continue to rise and housing costs already account for over a quarter of disposable income. Statista reports that the number of social housing units has fallen dramatically in recent years.

A worrying aspect is that many of the affected people living on the streets are also at risk of experiencing violence or suffering from illnesses, particularly addiction problems. The dilemma becomes apparent in Hadern: While many people are trying to help the homeless, others are calling for a strict ban on begging in inner cities. It becomes clear here that reactions to homelessness are often polarized and the question of support is raised.

In summary, the Hadern neighborhood is facing a complex challenge. The residents want an end to the problems with garbage and rats, while at the same time the humanitarian aspects and needs of the people affected must not be lost sight of. Every step taken should not only “solve a short-term problem”, but also provide a sustainable and fair solution for all those who need help.