Press releases

• The city of Aachen supports the "Querbeet" project and incorporates it into the Integrated Concept for Safety and Attractiveness (IKAS).
• The service is aimed specifically at people in the Aachen city region who are unable to work, suffer from addiction and are partially homeless.
• The maintenance of green spaces as part of the project creates a low-threshold employment opportunity with socio-educational support.

At its meeting on Wednesday, February 5, the Aachen City Council decided to fund the new project concept for "Querbeet". At the same time, the project of Caritasverband e. V. is recognized as a new component of IKAS. This was preceded by corresponding recommendations from the Committee for Social Affairs, Integration and Demography and the Finance Committee.

The new concept
The new measure "Querbeet for addicts unable to work in the city region" is aimed at addicts as well as partially homeless and compulsorily unemployable people residing in the city region of Aachen. In this respect, the concept differs from the previous Querbeet working groups, which were aimed exclusively at recipients of unemployment benefit II who were still able to work. Participants in the project plant and maintain flowerbeds and green spaces in the respective urban area. They are supervised and instructed by socio-educational staff and a practical craftsperson. Together with a colorful project vehicle, these contact persons provide low-threshold contact opportunities with the support system. The social workers are also the point of contact for residents' questions and needs. The Querbeet flower beds and boxes are marked accordingly so that the project and its results are clearly visible to everyone.

Project goals
Participants are introduced to their first structured employment through their work assignments. This can also help them to commit to offers of help and measures in the future. At the same time, successful work strengthens the participants' positive self-image and further expands their contact with the help system. This can increase motivation to accept further help such as addiction counseling and assisted living and reduce the overall need for help in the long term. The project also works towards positively changing the public's perception of addicted or homeless people. This is also demonstrated by the steadily growing public acceptance of the Querbeet working groups to date.

Funding
The City of Aachen and StädteRegion Aachen each subsidize the measure with 193,000 euros per year, of which the City of Aachen covers 85%, i.e. 164,050 euros. The decision was made subject to the approval of the StädteRegion. The resolution, which now also considers the project to be part of IKAS, is valid until 31.12.2026. The council has instructed the administration to examine the continuation of the project beyond this in due course together with the StädteRegion.

Together for a city worth living in
With the support of Querbeet, the city of Aachen is taking another important step towards greater social participation and an inclusive urban society worth living in. The project not only offers a perspective for the participants, but also promotes togetherness in the neighborhood and beautifies the cityscape.

Detailed information can be found in the council information system at https://ratsinfo.aachen.de/public/to010?SILFDNR=1000102&refresh=false.