Demand for Winter Aid Rises as Cold Weather Endangers Germany’s Homeless

Kältebus programs, staffed by volunteers, provide critical supplies and support to thousands of homeless individuals during freezing temperatures.

Kältebus programs across Germany, including in Stuttgart, Ulm, and Frankfurt, are seeing high demand, assisting around 30 individuals per night on average.
Volunteers provide essential items such as sleeping bags, winter clothing, and hot drinks, while also offering transportation to shelters when needed.
The programs play a vital role in addressing the dangers of exposure, with reports of individuals suffering from severe hypothermia, including a woman with a body temperature of 31°C.
Germany has approximately 47,300 people living on the streets, with a broader population of over 500,000 classified as homeless, according to 2024 government data.
Despite the forecast of milder weather in the coming days, aid organizations emphasize the ongoing need for donations and public awareness to sustain these life-saving efforts.