Kreuzberg: When the bus stop becomes a home for the homeless

Kreuzberg: When the bus stop becomes a home for the homeless

In the loud and hectic streets of Kreuzberg, near Mehringdamm, an unusual living space has established itself for some people: the bus stop. It is hardly busy during the day, only a night bus serves the station. Michael, a stocky man with a long beard and curly hair, has settled there. He has been living on the street for almost four years and uses the bus stop as his little refuge. Next to him is a shopping cart filled with blankets, shoes, food supplies and empty alcohol bottles. His pink T-shirt and the tattooed inscription “vida loca” reflect this special lifestyle, which is not only characterized by deprivation, but also by a certain courage to live.

Homelessness is a widespread problem in Berlin, a city that, according to rbb24, has the highest number of homeless people among major German cities. Thousands live on the streets, in parks and in many other places. The causes are diverse and range from escape and psychological problems to addiction.

Homelessness hotspots

Residents and visitors to the city often encounter homeless camps, particularly in districts such as Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and Neukölln. While the Landwehrkanal and the Ostbahnhof are considered hotspots in Kreuzberg, there are camps at Hermannplatz, Britzer Tor and Maybachufer in Neukölln. Despite the great need, the districts often only have sporadic knowledge about the living conditions of the homeless. According to the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district office, there is a lack of staff to assess the situation more precisely and provide adequate offers of help.

The last few winter months were particularly challenging. The Berlin City Mission has seen an increasing reception capacity and supported 3,700 homeless people in its sleeping facilities last year, which represents a significant increase compared to the previous year, when 2,699 people sought help. Nevertheless, in the first quarter of 2023 alone, 700 people were turned away due to a lack of capacity.

Help and support offers

The city's offerings are diverse. Berlin is pursuing various approaches to help the homeless, including testing “Little Homes” – small wooden huts where homeless people can live for up to two years. The “Protection and Restart for People without Home” (Sun) project is also being run in Berlin-Mitte, which offers temporary accommodation but is only available until November.

Despite existing offers, which are often used, reports show that many homeless people reject this support. Often, existing problems such as additional care or withdrawal measures are necessary so that a living environment can be created in which independent living is possible.

Food distribution and emergency shelter

Hotlines and contact points such as the help hotline for homeless people (0157 80 59 78 70) or the Berlin City Mission's cold bus (030/690 33 36 90) offer support. There are also numerous facilities that provide sleeping places, showers and advice all year round or during the cold months.

• Notunterkünfte:
  • AWO Kiezcafé, Petersburger Str. 92, Friedrichshain (1.10.–30.4.)
  • Kurmärkische Notübernachtung, Kurmärkische Str. 1-3, Schöneberg (1.10.–31.12.)
  • Herberge zur Heimat, Falkenseer Chaussee 154, Spandau (1.10.–30.4.)
• Kleidung und medizinische Versorgung:
  • Berliner Stadtmission, Lehrter Straße 68, Mitte – Medizinische Ambulanz.
  • Caritas Arztmobil an verschiedenen Standorten.

The city faces the challenge of recognizing and responding to the diverse needs of homeless people. Voluntary support, donations and commitment are needed to improve the living conditions for these people and to offer them prospects. In Berlin, addressing homelessness remains a task for society as a whole that continues to require urgent attention.