„Living Screen“: Ministry of Social Affairs Draws Positive Conclusion

"The Wohnschirm is a successful model," said the responsible Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ). The evaluation was conducted by the Vienna University of Economics and Business and supports this finding. The target group of people affected by poverty is well reached and supported.

"Housing is a fundamental right and a central social issue," emphasized Schumann at the press conference. "No one should lose their home, no one should remain homeless permanently." Around 20,000 people were recently registered as homeless in Austria, but the unreported number is higher. Additionally, around one million people find their housing costs burdensome. Schumann: "Emergencies can never be completely prevented, which is why this help is needed."

"Wohnschirm": Assistance Program with Three Parts

The "Wohnschirm" consists of three areas. In the "Rent" area, there have been 15,632 approved applications by the end of August 2025. Of these, 14,184 were for housing security, and 1,448 for a housing change. For Schumann, an "impressive number." Women particularly benefit from the program, with around 53 percent of the supported adults being female. In total, 35,679 people have received assistance.

In "Housing First," homeless people are accompanied to a new home. Since October 2024, there have been 1,169 approved applications, with 766 supported. The "Wohnschirm Energy" helps prevent energy disconnections. Currently, around 120 households nationwide receive monthly support. Additionally, there are 80 regional counseling centers that assist people in emergencies.

"Prevention Cheaper than Homelessness"

Study leader Christian Grünhaus from the WU emphasized the economic and social benefits of the "Wohnschirm." The evaluation shows that the target group of people affected by poverty is particularly well reached. They also rate the offered counseling as good. 92 percent stated that they would have had difficulties in the event of a housing loss without the support. For the analysis, two waves of surveys of those affected were evaluated. 688 and 1,012 people responded between 2022 and 2024.

Michael Häupl, President of Volkshilfe Wien, also highlighted the successes of the "Wohnschirm": "Eviction prevention is cheaper than homelessness." In political discussions, this is often not a given, so it is important to have data for argumentation, said the former mayor of Vienna (SPÖ). Volkshilfe Wien organizes the nationwide handling of "Wohnschirm Rent" and "Energy".

"Wohnschirm" Was Launched in 2022

The "Wohnschirm" was launched in 2022 and was originally endowed with 24 million euros. It was later expanded and extended, currently running until the end of 2026. Next year, the budget will decrease again, but Schumann wants to advocate for the continuation of the program.

Ines Stilling, Head of Social Affairs at the Chamber of Labour (AK), also advocated for this in a statement on Tuesday. "The Wohnschirm is important and right to support tenants in financial distress." This would reduce social suffering and economic follow-up costs. "Therefore, the Wohnschirm should be extended in view of the ongoing need."

For the umbrella organization of homeless assistance (BAWO), "Wohnschirm" and also the rent price cap are "right steps", but further steps must follow. "Capped rents, for example, would have a positive impact on the purchasing power of many and relieve people affected by poverty - and this without additional costs for the welfare state," said BAWO Chairwoman Elisabeth Hammer. A branch association of BAWO is responsible for the handling of "Wohnschirm Housing First".

For the Greens, the actions of the federal government on this issue are "absurd, heartless, and mindless". This was stated by housing spokesperson Nina Tomaselli in a statement. "While it is explained how effective the measures were and how many people in emergencies were helped, the Wohnschirm is being buried." For the continuation, there is only a "lip service" from Schumann. Tomaselli recalled that the "Wohnschirm" was initiated by the then Green Social Minister Johannes Rauch.

The view of the ministry was also contradicted by FPÖ housing spokesperson Michael Oberlechner. "The so-called Wohnschirm is nothing more than a political placebo and, given the plight of many people, an unsocial PR stunt - nothing more and nothing less." He criticized the lack of sustainable solutions and called for an expansion of social housing and a cap on operating costs.

(APA/Red)

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