Unidentified number of refugees have been reported to have arrived

The Lake Constance district in Germany has been at the forefront of refugee support for over a decade, providing temporary accommodation and assistance to thousands of individuals seeking safety.

In the years 2015 and 2016, the district had to accommodate 2846 and 3160 people respectively, during the refugee crisis of those years. From 2015 to 2024, the district provided temporary accommodation for approximately 8200 people. However, the exact number of refugee arrivals is higher and not exactly determinable.

During the peak of the crisis, up to 66 objects were rented to provide people with at least a roof over their heads. Today, the Lake Constance district operates 26 community accommodations, with around 600 people currently residing there.

The district's efforts have been bolstered by the dedication of volunteers, who have been indispensable in language promotion, everyday life assistance, and organising events like summer festivals, Christmas events, and Easter gifts. In 2015 and 2016, volunteer refugee helpers were especially instrumental, although no statistics on their number are available.

In addition to these volunteers, there are 32 full-time employees in integration management in the follow-up accommodations in the communities and cities. There are also 12 employees of the commissioned service provider Bildung und Berufliche Qualifizierung gGmbH, who take care of social work for refugees. Currently, 23 employees are actively involved in refugee accommodation in refugee work.

The Lake Constance district no longer operates emergency shelters in gymnasiums. The only remaining emergency shelter in the district is the former furniture store in Tettnang-Bürgermoos.

The Landratsamt considers the days of the open door to be valuable in reducing fears and worries. These open days provide an opportunity for refugees to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings and ask questions.

The costs of refugee work for the Lake Constance district are not precisely definable, but it is clear that it has been a significant financial burden. Subsidies from the state and federal government have not covered all costs.

Despite the challenges, the Lake Constance district continues to provide refuge and support to those in need, demonstrating the power of community spirit and solidarity.