According to a first count in January 2020, there are about 2000 homeless people living in Berlin - although not all of them could be counted. The relief programme against the cold (Kältehilfe) has been operating for more than 30 years. Over the past years, the offer has been continuously expanded: In the winter of 2011/12, for example, a maximum of around 400 people had been able to find shelter for the night. In 2022, a total of 1100 places will be available. The aim is to protect people from freezing to death between October and April. The Senate Department for Social Affairs, the districts and several social organisations are involved, as well as numerous volunteers and donors.