Died in Berlin: Dr. Jenny de la Torre, rescuer of the homeless!

Died in Berlin: Dr. Jenny de la Torre, rescuer of the homeless!

Pflugstraße, 10115 Berlin, Deutschland - On June 12, 2025, we received the sad news of Dr. Jenny de la Torre, an important personalities of Berlin's homeless help. As reports [berlin.de] (https://www.berlin.de/ba-mitte/aktuelles/Pressemaytreungen/2025/Pressemage department. 1569475.php), she died after a long, serious illness. Her commitment to the poorest and weakest in society was unprecedented.

dr. De la Torre was born in Nasca Ica, Peru in 1954 and grew up in modest conditions. In 1976 she came to the GDR with a scholarship, where she was trained as a specialist in pediatric surgery and did her doctorate at the Charité. Her medical career led her to treat homeless people for free at the Berlin Ostbahnhof in 1994. Her work quickly attracted attention and recognition, which gave her numerous awards, including the Federal Cross of Merit in 1997.

commitment to the homeless

In 2002 she founded the Jenny de la Torre Foundation, supported by prize money from the "Golden Henne". Four years later, she opened a health center for homeless in Pflugstraße in Berlin-Mitte, which offers comprehensive medical, dental, psychological, social and legal help. In their foundation and the health center, their passion built for years found a lasting expression.

The district office Mitte, represented by the district councilor for social affairs and civil services, Carsten Spallek, expressed the high appreciation for Dr. de la Torrez’s work. Their commitment gave many people hope and perspective, which changed the life of many. taz also emphasizes that the governing mayors of Berlin, Kai Wegner, and the health senator Ina Czyborra showed dismay about her loss.

a lasting legacy

dr. De la Torres commitment to people in need is considered one of the most formative works in social medicine. The volunteer office of the district of Berlin has used volunteer supporters in their foundation since 2015, which proves the close connection that many people felt with it. "Your legacy will continue to live in the foundation and in the hearts of those whom she has helped," said the communication from the district.

Your work not only remains noticeable in Berlin, but also has national relevance. Organizations such as the Evangelical Association for Housing Aid in Frankfurt am Main show how urgently the need for support for homeless people is. Homelessness is an urgent problem that affects more and more people in large cities. The association offers comprehensive help for those affected, similar to Dr. de la Torre in their medical and social work.

The thoughts and compassion are among everyone who together with Dr. Jenny de la Torre went. Your tireless effort and devotion will be missing in society.