The German city of Hereford provides informal assistance to disadvantaged groups of citizens with low incomes
Many cities in Germany face significant challenges in providing assistance to low-income citizens, due to the rising costs of food and energy, as well as an increasing number of people relying on social welfare.
In this context, the city of Herford in North Rhine-Westphalia serves as a leading example of how cooperation between local government and civil society can provide informal assistance.
The city has allocated a sum of 529,000 euros from the “Together Against Poverty” fund, which is affiliated with the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, to finance a project that provides individual assistance to citizens with low incomes.
Approximately 12,000 people in Hereford city benefit from the project, receiving a variety of assistance, including:
- 20 euro vouchers for food
- Assistance in paying electricity bills
- Incentives for the purchase of energy-saving appliances
- Counseling and support services
The project is distinguished by being non-material, as assistance is provided directly to those in need without the need for complex administrative procedures.
The project enjoys significant support from the citizens in the city of Hereford, as they see it directly and effectively meeting their needs.
The project’s administrators aspire to continue providing assistance to low-income citizens, even after the allocated funding has concluded.
You can also learn more about the types of price increase assistance in Germany and who benefits from them.
The project emphasizes the importance of collaboration between local government and civil society in providing sustainable solutions to poverty-related issues.
The project enjoys significant support from citizens
The project enjoys significant support from the citizens of Hereford city, as they see it directly and effectively meets their needs.
Mrs. Maria, who benefits from the project, says:
“This project has helped me tremendously in providing food for my children. I was struggling to afford food due to the high prices, but this project has helped me overcome this difficulty.”
Mr. John, who also benefits from the project, says:
“This project helped me pay off my electricity bill. I was struggling to cover the bill due to the high prices, but this project assisted me in overcoming this difficulty.”
The project emphasizes the importance of collaboration between local government and civil society
The project emphasizes the importance of collaboration between local government and civil society in providing sustainable solutions to poverty-related issues.
Mrs. Jennifer, the project manager, says:
“We are pleased with the success of this project, and it has proven that cooperation between the local government and civil society can achieve positive results in combating poverty.”
Mr. John, Mayor of Hereford, said:
“We are committed to helping low-income citizens, and we believe that this project is an important step in that direction.”
The project emphasizes the importance of cooperation between the local government and civil society to provide sustainable solutions to poverty problems. The project is an example to be followed in many other cities in Germany that suffer from the same problems.
20 euro vouchers
Each member of a family benefiting from the project receives a food voucher worth €20. This practical and direct assistance is very useful for people in need, as it allows them to buy the food they urgently need.
In addition, the project provides support for electricity bill payments. People living in poverty often struggle to pay their electricity bills, and this project helps them overcome this difficulty.
The project also offers incentives to purchase energy-efficient appliances, which can help to reduce costs in the long run.
Appreciation of people living in poverty
One of the key factors in the project’s success is its respectful approach. The project focuses on providing assistance where it is most needed, and offers assistance directly and without any complex administrative procedures.
It is very easy to apply for a solidarity coupon, which makes it easier for as many people as possible to access help.
The project is temporary
The project is temporary and ends on December 31, 2023. It is important to help as many people as possible during this time, as inflation and energy prices continue to rise.
The goal should be to create and manage such successful initiatives in the long term. Poverty is not a short-term problem, and it requires sustainable solutions to free people from their predicament.
You can also read articles from AlmanyPedia in English and German via the following links: AlmanyPedia EN – AlmanyPedia DE
You can also follow the latest news in Germany today on a daily basis by subscribing to our free notification service.
