Der Spiegel: How German Electricity Became A Luxury Item.

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24. “dispossessed”? There is no involuntary homelessness in Germany.

Housing in Germany is a right.

If you can’t afford it, you only need apply for aid or issuance of a demand letter to the landlord stating that all costs will be paid, including heat and maintenance. It covers any dwelling up to 50qm (~500sqft) for a single person, more for a family.

Under the Hartz IV program for those with the lowest income (or none at all), health insurance is 100% covered, including dental and eye care, plus housing and about 500euro/mo. (unrestricted) for food, electricity, and expenses. That amount was increased a few years ago by 20 euros, more than covering any increase in electricity costs. It also would include training and job placement, if you wish and are able. That’s the minimum, that’s rock bottom in Germany.

Our fellow American poor should find themselves to be so unfortunate.

While I'm here, and given that your deep concern for the German poor and working class has brought a tear to my eye, I should also point out that German workers are still paying a 5.5% income tax surcharge, a solidarity tax, for the integration and modernization of the eastern states. When it expires in 2019, it's likely that the largest part of that tax will continue and be used to upgrade the housing stock to passive solar. Will you be opposed to that as well?