Water bottles, hygiene products and sunscreen are available in a common room at a heat relief shelter for people who are homeless or lack housing. (File photo)
© dpa
In Berlin, as the meteorological start of summer begins, so does the heat relief program (Hitzehilfe) for homeless people.
According to the Senate Department of Social Affairs, shelters, beverages, food, showers and counseling services will be available for those in need through the end of August.
A website run by the City of Berlin lists the available assistance services. Shelters are available in areas such as Kreuzberg, Neukölln, Wedding, Friedrichshain and Charlottenburg. In addition, volunteers from the German Red Cross (DRK), for example, are out in the field. "High temperatures and prolonged heat waves can quickly become life-threatening, especially for people living on the streets," according to the Senate Department for Social Affairs. The temporary projects will supplement the year-round emergency housing assistance services from June 1 through August 31.
There is also a phone number people can call to get help during the hot season. If you suspect that someone in need is not doing well due to the weather, or if you notice signs such as dehydration or circulatory problems, you should approach them and ask if they need anything. If those affected wish to accept help, they can call this number: +49 157 80597870 (Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). On the so-called Refreshment Map , cool and shaded spots in the capital are displayed, as well as important infrastructure such as drinking fountains, green spaces and benches.