Essential Items: Sunscreen, Water, and a Shaded Spot - Sun Protection Essentials: Sunscreen, Water, and a Shaded Spot
In the heart of Berlin, a heat relief program is underway to provide essential assistance to the city's homeless population during this summer's sweltering heatwave. The initiative, which runs until August 31, is part of a broader effort by the city to protect vulnerable individuals from heat-related illnesses like heatstroke and dehydration.
Social Senator Cansel Kiziltepe announced the heat relief effort at a presentation in the Passionskirche at the Marheinekeplatz. The Senate administration has chosen ten carriers for this summer's relief effort, with a total volume of 300,000 euros. One of these carriers is the German Red Cross (DRK), known for its emergency relief and social support services in Germany.
The DRK's mobile project, focused on helping those who live on the streets, lack access to drinking water, protective spaces, and appropriate equipment. The mobile project's staff actively approaches homeless individuals during summer months, distributing water, snacks, sunscreen, and hats.
Lisa Sakawitsch, chairwoman and CEO of the DRK district association of Müggelspree, stressed the importance of this initiative, stating, "When temperatures rise above 30 degrees, everyone suffers, but especially the most vulnerable in society."
The Evangelical Church congregation at the Hallesches Tor in the Passionskirche is also part of the heat relief program. The church is opening its doors to offer water, a cool place, conversation, and counseling to those seeking to escape the heat, particularly the elderly and homeless. Barbara Hennig, a member of the congregation, said, "We want to build bridges and make the church a welcoming place for homeless people."
A social worker is part of the project, addressing the social difference for homeless people in using the church for cooling off. The church community aims to address this issue, making the church a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
An overview of the heat relief measures, including protective spaces and outreach, can be found online. For more precise and up-to-date details on the DRK's current programs in Berlin during the 2025 heat wave, contacting the German Red Cross directly or local municipal social services would provide the most accurate information.
In addition to the DRK's efforts, general measures in Germany and other European countries during heat waves often involve the provision of clothing suitable for hot weather to help protect vulnerable populations from heat-related illnesses, the distribution of sunscreen to prevent sunburn and skin damage, and the opening of cooling centers or "climate shelters" where people, including homeless individuals, can find relief from extreme heat through air conditioning or cool baths.
These initiatives are critical in mitigating health risks for homeless individuals during heat waves. By providing summer clothing, sunscreen, and access to cool places like climate shelters, Berlin's heat relief program aims to ensure the safety and well-being of the city's most vulnerable residents during this summer's heatwave.
- The Commission, in light of the ongoing heatwave, has also adopted a proposal for a Council Regulation on the implementation of a Community system for the collection of statistics on the number of homeless individuals in need of assistance during heatwaves, similar to the efforts being made in Berlin.
- In an effort to promote health-and-wellness and environmental-science, the heat relief program in Berlin has incorporated the distribution of nutritious snacks alongside water, sunscreen, and hats, ensuring that the homeless population receives a balanced intake of essential nutrients.
- While the heat relief program primarily focuses on immediate relief from heatwaves, it's also crucial to consider long-term solutions for the homeless population. For instance, promoting fitness-and-exercise routines and educating about climate-change could help address underlying health issues and prepare for future extreme weather events.
