World Homelessness Day: 10th October
Raising awareness for unhoused people this October
Every year on October 10th, World Homelessness Day raises awareness for unhoused people around the world. On this day, we remember the importance of working to prevent and end homelessness and help the suffering of those experiencing it.
What causes homelessness?
There are millions of unhoused people in the world who lack shelter and access to adequate housing. Becoming unhoused can happen for many reasons. For some, it’s big systemic problems like not enough affordable housing or the high cost of living. For others, life throws curveballs like losing a job, dealing with health challenges, or escaping unsafe situations. This mix of societal hurdles and personal emergencies can happen to anyone, which is why World Homelessness Day is so important.
Being unhoused in Berlin
Berlin has a long history of homelessness. It is home to the highest number of unhoused people in Germany. The city is known for its high rents and limited affordable housing. At the same time, Berlin has long attracted young people and newcomers from abroad. Many of these people lack strong support networks and struggle to understand the city’s complex social systems.
Together, these facts create a perfect storm, leaving many struggling to get by. While Berlin does have social services in place, they can be difficult to access and are often overcrowded. Fortunately, there are some incredible Berlin NGOs and organisations dedicated to supporting those in need.
Karuna
One of these organisations is Karuna, our partner organisation with whom we share the No.52 Cafe at Boxhagenerplatz. Founded as a social solidarity cooperative, Karuna supports socially marginalised individuals across Berlin. Boxhagenerplatz is home to a significant unhoused community, and our cafe offers coffee and workshops in a space rooted in care, creativity, and connection. You can also find the Karuna Kompass here – a street paper made by and for Berlin’s unhoused community.
Other Berlin Initiatives Helping Homelessness
Other initiatives in Berlin include Rise Foundation and Berliner Obdachlosenhilfe, which offer warm meals and basic amenities to those living on the streets. Berlin also has many shelters dedicated to helping people experiencing homelessness. For example, Notübernachtung für Frauen – Diakonie provides emergency accommodation for women, GEBEWO offers nightly shelter and advice, and the Berliner Kältehilfe operates the “Kältebus,” bringing unhoused people to shelters during the cold months.
What can you do to help?
Most of these organisations rely on donations and volunteers to continue their work. If you’re able to help, sign up to volunteer or make a donation to support people experiencing homelessness today!
Kindness is key. Unhoused people are often overlooked or poorly treated. Simple acts like a smile, a friendly greeting, or taking a moment to acknowledge someone can make a meaningful difference, even if you don’t have money to give. This spirit of compassion and solidarity is also at the heart of The International Day of Charity, which reminds us that every act of giving, no matter how big or small, contributes to building a more supportive world.
You can read more in our article on World Charity Day to see how these efforts connect, and all the ways you can help those in need. The unhoused community need your support and days like World Homelessness Day are important reminders of the power we have to help