Winter Assistance for the Homeless: The Warm Bus Provides Relief Amidst the Cold

Tue 18th Feb, 2025

As temperatures plummet below minus ten degrees Celsius, emergency shelters in Berlin are reaching full capacity. Volunteers are actively distributing sleeping bags and warm soup to those in need. The President of the German Red Cross has issued an urgent appeal to the public for support.

A homeless man, who has set up his temporary dwelling under a table tennis table in a playground, expressed his gratitude for the arrival of the Warm Bus, which provides essential services during the harsh winter months. The bus driver, Julia, handed him a cup of hot tea, emphasizing that solidarity is vital during these frigid times.

The Warm Bus operates nightly, delivering assistance to homeless individuals and offering transportation to emergency shelters upon request. Even at temperatures as mild as ten degrees, the risks increase, particularly for those who may be under the influence of alcohol and unaware of the cold's severity.

Despite the extreme cold, many homeless individuals prefer to sleep outdoors rather than in shelters, which are currently operating at maximum capacity. This situation is uncommon; however, it highlights various factors influencing their choices, including the size and conditions of the sleeping quarters. One volunteer, Herbert, who has been operating the Warm Bus for sixteen years, noted that the atmosphere in shelters is often unpleasant, and strict regulations regarding alcohol and drug use, as well as security checks for personal belongings, deter some from seeking refuge indoors.

On average, the Warm Bus distributes two to three sleeping bags each night. The team coordinates with the Kältebus (Cold Bus) operated by the Berlin City Mission, visiting known locations to check on homeless individuals and responding to calls from the public.

In critical situations, such as when a person appears unable to stand and shows signs of frostbite, the volunteers do not hesitate to call emergency services. In one instance, Herbert encountered a man who was likely suffering from severe exposure. While waiting for an ambulance, the team provided the individual with a thermal blanket and a hat to keep him warm.

The number of incidents requiring the Warm Bus has surged significantly due to the icy conditions. At the beginning of the winter season in November, the bus received an average of five calls per day; this figure has now risen to eight. Since November 1, a total of 394 individuals have been transported to emergency shelters, and volunteers have made contact with over 1,700 homeless people.

The President of the DRK State Association, Mario Czaja, urged citizens to remain vigilant and attentive to those in need. He stressed that the life-threatening cold can have dire consequences for homeless individuals, emphasizing that the team cannot cover every street or search every entrance. He encouraged anyone who sees someone in need to contact the Warm Bus, which operates nightly from 6:00 PM to midnight.


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