The Berlin winter can be harsh and unforgiving. When temperatures drop below freezing, the streets become a life-threatening danger for people without a home. But Berlin doesn't leave anyone behind. Under the motto "No one has to freeze to death," the city has established a unique and impressive network: the Berliner Kältehilfe (Berlin Cold Aid).
This guide explains what the Kältehilfe is, who can use it, what services are available, and—most importantly—how you, as an attentive citizen or visitor to the city, can make a valuable contribution. Because looking out for others and taking action can save lives.
Kältehilfe is not a single project but a broad alliance of church congregations, welfare associations (like the Berliner Stadtmission, Caritas, Diakonie, and the Red Cross), clubs, companies, and countless volunteers, coordinated by the state of Berlin. Every year from November 1st to March 31st, this network provides a wide range of low-threshold assistance services to protect homeless and needy people from freezing to death.
The principle of Kältehilfe is simple and unbureaucratic. The services are primarily aimed at people experiencing homelessness. However, there are no complicated access requirements. Anyone in an acute emergency who urgently needs a warm and safe place can access the help. On a cold night, no one is turned away as long as there are places available. Even people whose heating has failed or who are locked out of their apartment and have no money for a hotel can find temporary shelter here.
The Kältehilfe network is diverse and covers various needs:
This is the core of the Kältehilfe. Dozens of facilities across the city open their doors in the evening and offer a simple but life-saving place to sleep. The facilities vary from camp beds in a gym to multi-bed rooms. Many shelters also offer a warm meal, the opportunity to shower, and clean clothes. Some even allow pets, which is crucial for many homeless people who would otherwise not be separated from their loyal companions.
The cold is also a danger during the day. Warming centers and day cafés offer a safe place to warm up, rest, and socialize. They usually provide hot drinks like tea or coffee, often a warm soup, clean toilets, and a place to sit and talk to social workers who can offer advice on further problems.
The Kältebus of the Berliner Stadtmission is one of the most well-known and important institutions of the Kältehilfe. Every evening from 9 PM to 3 AM, a team of volunteers drives through the city to help people sleeping outdoors.
In addition to the other services, there are soup kitchens throughout the city that reliably provide free, hot meals. They are often a first point of contact and an important social meeting place.
Everyone can contribute. Often, it's the small gestures that make a big difference.
If you see a person sleeping outdoors in sub-zero temperatures, this is the most important call you can make. Many people are unsure whether to call. Here are clear guidelines:
Don't hesitate! It's better to call once too often than not at all. The Kältebus team will assess the situation professionally on site. Your call can save a life.
Kältehilfe relies on donations to finance its work.
Don't forget the simplest form of help: human warmth. A friendly look, a greeting, or the simple question, "Can I help you? Maybe with a hot coffee?" can mean the world to someone who feels invisible. Don't look away. Every person has a story and deserves respect.
The Berliner Kältehilfe is an impressive example of what a city community can achieve when it stands together. It shows the famous "Berliner Schnauze mit Herz" (Berlin's gruffness with a heart). Winter is a challenge for all of us, but for the most vulnerable in our society, it is a struggle for survival. By being informed, walking through our city with awareness, and acting at the right moment, we can all contribute to ensuring that no one has to freeze to death in Berlin. Be a part of this network of warmth.