Cold Weather Buses Resume Operations to Support Homeless in Berlin

With temperatures dropping, Berlin has once again deployed cold weather buses to provide critical assistance to the city's homeless population during the winter months. These specialized vehicles patrol the streets nightly, offering essential support such as warm drinks, clothing, and transportation to emergency shelters.

The Berlin City Mission's cold weather bus operates daily from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM, actively seeking out individuals sleeping outdoors who may not be able to access a shelter independently. The outreach teams approach those in need, supplying items like tea and sleeping bags, and offer rides to safe accommodation when requested.

In addition to the City Mission's efforts, the German Red Cross (DRK) runs a warmth bus from 6:00 PM until midnight. This service visits well-known locations frequented by homeless individuals, distributing blankets, sleeping mats, and hot beverages. During the 2024/2025 season, the DRK reported a total of 2,349 contacts with people in need, with 573 transports provided to emergency shelters. The organization also noted a high level of community concern, receiving close to 1,000 calls from citizens regarding individuals at risk on the streets.

To further support the city's efforts, the Berlin Cold Aid app is available, allowing users to locate available sleeping spaces in shelters throughout the winter season. The cold aid program in Berlin officially begins each year on October 1 and continues through the end of April, ensuring round-the-clock assistance during the harshest months.

According to the city's social services administration, 995 beds are available for emergency overnight stays starting in November. This number increases to 1,144 beds from December through March, before adjusting to 1,058 beds in April as the season winds down. These resources aim to address the increased demand for safe, warm shelter as the cold intensifies.

Both the City Mission and the DRK emphasize the importance of community involvement, encouraging Berlin residents to report cases of individuals in need so that assistance can be provided promptly. The city's comprehensive approach--combining mobile outreach, digital tools, and expanded shelter capacity--seeks to mitigate the risks faced by homeless individuals during the winter and ensure their safety throughout the season.