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Cold buses in Berlin: Winter aid for the homeless started!
In Berlin, cold buses have been helping homeless people in the winter with warm clothing and emergency accommodation since November.
Cold buses in Berlin: Winter aid for the homeless started!
The cold buses have been in use in Berlin since November 1, 2025 to offer support to homeless people during the cold season. This initiative, which is supported by the Berlin City Mission and the German Red Cross (DRK), aims to offer those affected not only warm drinks, but also clothing and trips to emergency accommodation. The city mission's cooling bus is active daily from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., while the DRK heating bus runs between 6 p.m. and midnight.
The cold bus's job is to find people who sleep outdoors and cannot use emergency accommodation. Social helpers offer tea and sleeping bags and, if requested, take those in danger to safe accommodation. The cooling bus can be reached on 030 690 333 690, while the heating bus can be contacted on 030 600 300 1010.
Statistics and contact details
In the previous season of 2024/2025, a total of 2,349 contacts with people in need were counted. There were 573 trips to emergency shelters and almost 1,000 calls from concerned citizens. These figures illustrate the necessity and success of these assistance programs, which not only provide practical support but also promote social responsibility among citizens.
To support homeless people, the cold relief app is also available, which provides information about free sleeping spaces in emergency shelters. In the current season, 995 sleeping places were made available from November. From December to March this number will be increased to 1,144, before 1,058 places are planned at the end of the season in April.
Privacy and security
In order to protect the privacy and personal data of users when seeking help, the Berliner Kühlhilfe website has provided data protection information. Information about personal data, its use and user rights are explained in detail there. Data collection includes information provided by users via contact forms as well as technical data that is collected automatically to ensure a functional website. This data is processed in accordance with the Church Act on Data Protection of the Evangelical Churches in Germany.
The security of data transmission is guaranteed by SSL and TLS encryption. External bodies only receive personal data if necessary, for example to fulfill a contract or legal obligations. A data protection officer has been appointed to monitor compliance with data protection regulations.
The cold relief initiatives in Berlin are an important piece of the puzzle in the effort to counteract homelessness in the winter and offer those in need a safe place to retreat.