Heat wave in Berlin: Homeless people fight for water and shade!

Heat wave in Berlin: Homeless people fight for water and shade!

The current heat wave in Berlin is putting an enormous strain on homeless people and socially disadvantaged people in particular. The train station mission at the Zoological Garden plays a central role in supporting this vulnerable group. People line up to relax in the shaded rooms and to be provided with water and food. Homeless people like Maria, who have been out since 7 a.m. and haven't been able to drink, are particularly affected. Station Mission staff will distribute water, bread and apricots while encouraging guests to stay hydrated and protect themselves with sunscreen.

Markus, another homeless person, reports difficulties finding a shady place to rest. The head of the station mission, Sünje Hansen, emphasizes how important water and shade are in this extreme heat. In addition, employees ensure that an ambulance is called quickly if there are health problems. At a hygiene station, those affected have the opportunity to get new clothes and cold showers. Hansen appeals to the public to help the homeless by bringing bottled water or small amounts of money and calls for more access to water, public toilets and showers.

Hygiene Center supports those in need

The Bahnhofsmission hygiene center at Jebensstrasse 5 is experiencing a significant rush during this heat wave, which is similar to that in winter. Freya Bulgurcu, who has been working there for three years, describes the high number of visitors and the growing need for free services such as showers, toilets and new underwear. The shortage of socks is particularly noticeable because the willingness to donate tends to decrease in the summer months. Nevertheless, the Berliner Wasserbetriebe water machine is highly frequented and provides essential support for visitors to the hygiene center, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

With four shower cubicles for men, two for women and one for guests with disabilities, the hygiene center offers important services for homeless people. Bulgurcu reports on the special challenges that arise this season, such as skin burns from intense sunlight. In addition, many homeless people, like fifty-year-old Stephan, face the challenge of finding a job and accommodation in the city.

Support initiatives

In view of the rising temperatures and the associated health risks for homeless people, the Marzahn-Hellersdorf district office together with the DRK-Kreisverband Berlin-Nordost e.V. have started the “Heat protection for homeless and homeless people” project. The aim of this project is to provide protection from the extreme temperatures in summer. Access to water, shade and medical care is severely limited for those affected, which can lead to health consequences such as dehydration or heat stroke.

Thriving response teams operate in local drop-in centers on weekdays and weekends to offer support to affected people. Volunteer paramedics provide them with drinking water, cooling materials and reusable drinking bottles, while short training courses on self-help in heat emergencies are carried out. The close cooperation between the social institutions and the Office for Social Affairs ensures that people in need can quickly be accommodated in emergency accommodation if necessary. The project runs until the end of August 2025 and is financed by the Senate Department for Labor, Social Affairs, Equality and Anti-Discrimination.

The current measures and the committed work of the Bahnhofsmission illustrate the urgent need to improve the conditions for homeless people in Berlin and to support them in the face of extreme weather conditions. It remains to be hoped that solidarity among the population will continue in the warmer months and that those in need will be helped.