Berlin City Mission: Sleeping bags urgently needed

The emergency shelters of the Kältehilfe (Emergency aid for homeless) are heavily overloaded. In recent days, the drivers of the cold bus have often been unable to accommodate people after 11 pm because everything is full, said Barbara Breuer, spokesperson for the Berlin City Mission.

The cold bus drivers would then offer people tea, an instant meal and a sleeping bag. According to forecasts, it is expected to get as cold as minus 13 degrees on Monday night. Breuer called for donations: "We at least want to give the people who can't find shelter a sleeping bag and a sleeping mat." Warm winter clothing for men is also urgently needed, especially warm jackets, hoodies, normal underwear and thermal underwear. These should be clean, without stains and not broken.

What passers-by can do

Passers-by can approach homeless people and call the cold bus with their consent. However, if people are obviously slightly out of it or in a state of shock, it is better to call the emergency services. Breuer also called on people to show more solidarity with people in their own neighbourhood and to offer a thermos flask of tea or a hot water bottle.