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Stein's Public Housing Provider Ensures Affordable Homes for Local Families

A small town's bold solution to the housing crisis keeps roofs over families' heads. Meet the residents—and the vision—behind Stein's success story.

The image shows an old postcard of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Building in New York City. It...
The image shows an old postcard of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Building in New York City. It features a bustling cityscape with many buildings, trees, and vehicles on the road. At the top of the image, there is text that reads "Metropolitan Life Insurance".

Stein's Public Housing Provider Ensures Affordable Homes for Local Families

Finding affordable housing remains a struggle for many residents in Stein. To tackle this issue, the town set up its own public housing provider, Kommunalbetrieb Stein (KbS), back in 2006. Unlike private developers, KbS puts residents' needs first rather than chasing profits.

Since its launch, KbS has worked to keep housing costs fair and stable. The organisation now manages 165 apartments, ensuring a portion of Stein's housing stays within reach for locals. Recently, it completed three new multi-family buildings, adding 18 more homes to the market.

KbS board member Klaus Heinrich stressed the importance of offering fair and inclusive living conditions. The town also recognised long-term tenants, like the Jugl family, with a Stein-Card voucher worth €20 as a token of appreciation. First mayor Kurt Krömer called the creation of KbS a 'forward-thinking move,' proving the original vision was the right one.

KbS continues to focus on practical solutions rather than financial gain. With 165 managed apartments and recent additions, it plays a key role in Stein's housing stability. The town's approach ensures that affordable options remain available for those who need them.

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