The approximately 700 beds in Berlin cold weather shelters are currently 90% occupied. A plan for an additional 150 beds at Goslarer Platz fell through unexpectedly when a landlord withdrew his commitment. The development would have been the largest of the emergency shelters currently available in Berlin. The organisation running the shelters have had to find a number of smaller accommodations as a replacement. From November onwards, a total of approximately 1,000 beds will be available.
The ‘Eva’s Stop’ day centre run by the Catholic Women’s Social Service in Wedding has faced a similar shortage. The lower temperatures are already having a noticeable impact, said director Natalie Kulik. Since the beginning of the month, the centre has offered 20 emergency overnight beds. “Back in October, we already had to turn women away because all 20 beds were occupied,” Kulik explained. Referrals are often difficult because there are frequently no vacancies at other locations either.
The Johanniter’s ‘Nachthafen am Kotti’ night café has seen significantly higher visitor numbers in recent weeks than usual. “During the particularly cold nights since the beginning of October, we have recorded occupancy rates that are sometimes up to 100% higher,” they stated. The staff are currently in contact with up to 300 people per night. The night café is primarily for homeless people with addiction problems.
