The social services department in Berlin is allocating €300,000 for the city’s heat relief program for homeless individuals, which began on Sunday. According to the Senate Department for Social Services, the funds will be used through the end of August to finance additional shelters and outreach services.

This includes social workers traveling through the city to provide homeless people with water, sun protection, information, and—if needed—basic medical care. These services are intended to supplement the regular assistance provided through the city’s housing emergency programs.

Senator for Social Affairs Cansel Kiziltepe (SPD) stated, “Together, we are ensuring that no one is left alone on the streets during the hot season.” She emphasized that extreme heat can be life-threatening, especially for people living on the streets. “Through the heat relief program, we are quickly and unbureaucratically creating essential support—whether it’s distributing bottled water and sunscreen or opening cool spaces, such as churches,” she said.

Kiziltepe also urged Berlin residents to watch out for homeless individuals who are exposed to the sun and may be in need of help. (epd)