Berlin buys "Evas Obdach": Emergency accommodation secured for the long term

Symbolic image: Emergency shelter.

The emergency shelter for homeless women "Evas Obdach" in Berlin-Neukölln is secured for the long term.

The Senate purchased the premises in Fuldastraße for 1.9 million euros and transferred them to the state's trust assets, as announced by Senator for Social Affairs Cansel Kiziltepe (SPD).  There are four residential and commercial units with 30 beds. Women can rest there or spend the night, eat something, wash or shower.

Need for special shelters and special support services

The project, which is run by the Catholic Women's Social Service, was threatened with closure on June 30, as the building was put up for sale due to a change of ownership. As it is very difficult to find new premises for an emergency shelter on the Berlin real estate market, the Senate decided to negotiate a purchase together with other parties involved. "Women are particularly affected by housing and homelessness," said Kiziltepe. "Women often lose their homes because they are poor or have experienced violence in the family or in their partnership." They then need special shelters and special offers of help. "It's great news that the urgently needed Evas Obdach emergency shelter will remain in its current location," said Kiziltepe.