Funding shortages threaten vital services at Stubben center in Helsingør

For the past 40 years, Stubben in Helsingør has opened its doors daily to provide a warm space for homeless individuals, substance abusers, and other vulnerable citizens. Visitors can enjoy breakfast, coffee, and even a bath if needed, as well as receive advice and assistance in connecting with municipal services. However, there are concerns that this support may fade away for the approximately 45 daily users due to severe funding shortages in Helsingør Municipality.

The municipal subsidy of nearly one million kroner for Stubben is at risk of disappearing, which could push vulnerable individuals further away from critical help, according to Line Pinstrup, the center’s manager. Helsingør Municipality is facing a deficit of around 300 million kroner over the next three years, impacting various services, including limiting home care for the elderly to one bath per week instead of two, and increasing fees for after-school programs (SFO).

Mayor Benedikte Kiær described the year’s budget as a “crisis budget,” highlighting a series of troubling cutbacks. The financial strain is further complicated by a new property tax system that has resulted in significantly lower-than-expected revenues for the municipality.

The government has pledged to allocate 2.5 billion kroner to municipalities, with Helsingør set to receive 54.5 million kroner in compensation for lost income from property taxes. However, local leaders argue more support is needed, as the current measures do not address the systemic issues leading to disparities between municipalities.

Discussions to negotiate this year’s budget are underway, with hopes that despite financial constraints, local authorities will continue to support crucial social services like Stubben.