Cold Relief for homeless people: buses back on the road

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In Berlin, several buses are once again on the road to help people in need during the cold season.

They drive through the city offering warm drinks, sleeping bags and rides to emergency shelters. According to a spokeswoman, three "cold-weather buses" operated by the City Mission will be on the road daily through March 31. The German Red Cross (DRK) warmth bus will also be in service through March 31, according to a spokesperson for the Berlin branch of the German Red Cross. During particularly cold spells, additional buses could also be mobilized. This was the case, for example, at the beginning of the year, when freezing temperatures persisted for an extended period.

Talk to people first

"You should always approach a person first and ask if and how they need help," said the City Mission spokesperson. Some people, for example, were happy to receive hot soup or tea, while others needed sleeping bags or even a ride to a shelter. In addition, more information would help the call center better coordinate the buses' routes. Two new cold-weather buses are now in service as the cold season begins. After a man set fires earlier this year, two of the previous buses were totaled. Thanks to donations, the organization was able to purchase and retrofit new vehicles. According to reports, these buses now have electric lifts, so that people with limited mobility can also be transported to shelters in the future.

In case of an emergency, dial 112

Last season, according to reports, the cold-weather bus teams made contact with 3,783 people and took 1,784 of them to a warm shelter. "The trend is upward," according to the City Mission. The German Red Cross (DRK) also reported twice as many reports last season - 1,872 - compared to the previous year. This demonstrated just how great the need for help is, said Mario Czaja, president of the Berlin DRK. "We expect our 'Wärmebus' to be needed even more frequently this winter." That is why support from the public is so important. Anyone who sees people who might need help should approach them and ask if they would like assistance. "A call to our 'Wärmebus' can save lives," said Czaja. In the event of a medical emergency or immediate danger to life, dial 112.