Emergency aid for homeless: Cold weather buses and shelters

Direct contact, donations in kind or volunteering: how Berliners can help homeless people in cold weather – and what aid organisations say is needed now.

According to the German Weather Service, frosty temperatures around freezing point and severe night frosts down to -14 degrees are expected in Berlin over the coming days. More than 6,000 people are homeless in Berlin, according to Ulrike Kostka, director of the Caritas Association for the Archdiocese of Berlin. "They are particularly dependent on support in winter, because cold and loneliness not only threaten their health, but often their lives as well," she says. Here is an overview of how you can help homeless people in Berlin.

A wide range of ways to help

There are many different ways to help, explains Barbara Breuer, spokesperson for the Berlin City Mission. One could approach people directly – depending on what kind of person one is. If one is rather shy and does not like talking to strangers, she would not recommend this. "But if you don't have a problem with it and are interested," she says, "then people often appreciate it." For example, if you pass someone every day, you could simply stop and say, "Hello, I see you here every day and I'm interested in how you are doing." You can also ask directly if you can buy the person something – be it a hot drink or a warm meal.

Approach and offer help

However, according to her, one should never simply touch or shake people when they are asleep. Unless there is concern that the person may be dead. If people are already lying on the ground shivering, call an ambulance. In addition the cold weather bus can also be informed, but only in consultation with those affected. It is important to ask what is needed, such as hot tea, a sleeping bag or transport to emergency accommodation.

Volunteering in emergency shelters and cold weather buses

There are also several other ways to get involved. "You can donate your time by volunteering," says Breuer. This could involve working with homeless people in emergency shelters, serving food or checking people in. But you can also get involved in sorting clothing donations – for example, at the Stadtmission's textile port. According to her, every local organisation needs volunteer support. For example, the Stadtmission's cold weather buses are run by two permanent employees and a team of around 60 volunteers.

Only donate clean and functional clothing

Those who do not have time to volunteer can also donate, for example, unused clothing. According to the German Red Cross (DRK) regional association, warm men's shoes in large sizes and in good condition are particularly needed. Donations in kind can be handed in at the DRK regional office on Bundesallee. It is important that the clothing is freshly washed and intact, says the spokesperson for the City Mission. "Broken zips are no use to us, because if a homeless person receives a jacket from us and can't even zip it up because it doesn't work, then the jacket is of no use to them."

Food donations also welcome

Caritas' cold weather assistance programme also welcomes food donations. The team at Caritas-Arztmobil – a minibus that has been converted into a doctor's surgery – not only provides healthcare, but also offers advice and referrals to other support services or authorities. Donations of sleeping bags are needed here, for example. People who do not have time to get involved and do not have any clothing to donate can also donate money. "This allows us to fill the gaps where they arise, where we need it most," explains spokeswoman Breuer from the City Mission. According to the DRK, monetary donations also help to purchase underwear as needed.