Brochure for new citizens

Homes for everyone | 41 Fighting discrimination It is important to the City of Heidelberg that all of its residents live together harmoniously. The Office for Equal Opportunity is the point of contact for anyone who wants to take action against discrimination or who has ex- perienced it themselves – whether on basis of their place of origin, a disa- bility, age, sexual identity or gender. Further information as well as advice and support are available by calling 06221 58-15550, by e-mailin g antidiskri- minierung@heidelberg.de and looking online at www.heidelberg.de/antidis- crimination . Help in cases of domestic violence The Heidelberg Intervention Model against violence in relationships (HIM) supports those affected by domestic violence to escape the cycle of violence. Women and children can turn to the Women‘s Intervention Center for help and counseling. The Men‘s Intervention Center and the men‘s hotline offer counseling and therapy for perpetrators of violence as well as support and counseling for men who have experienced violence themselves. Further information is available at www. heidelberg.de/him . 40 | A safe city Homes for everyone Since 2012, just under 3,900 new apartments have been built in Heidelberg. This has been made pos- sible by the construction of new neighborhoods such as Bahnstadt as well as the reuse of former US military sites. Dynamic growth Heidelberg is a popular place to live and work. However, this popularity puts a strain on the housing market. To create sufficient living space for people of all income groups, the city council unanimously adopted the Housing action program. An annual 800 new apartments are to be built in the com- ing years. In addition, the city runs two subsidy schemes for tenants and buyers and builds special family-friend- ly apartments in the new district of Bahnstadt. Moreover, the development of affordable housing on the former US military sites is a top priority. Bahnstadt is particularly popular with families and is Heidelberg‘s district with the most children.