A new shelter for homeless children opens in Berlin

The "Straßenkinder e.V." association opened the "Butze" street children's house in Berlin-Lichtenberg, Germany, to provide a safe haven for homeless children and teenagers.

The facility was made possible through a series of donations and fundraising efforts that began years ago. The building covers approximately 3650 square meters across seven floors. It offers 41 different living and sleeping options, including micro-apartments, emergency sleeping spots, and regular apartments.

The site also contains a warm room, social and legal counseling services, workshops, training rooms, laundry and shower facilities, and a clothing room. It serves as a base for street workers to reach those in need. Donations from the RTL charity marathon and various private supporters funded the entire project. Birgit and Thomas Rabe provided up to two-thirds of the total investment through their private funds and foundation.

The association expects the facility to host between 10,000 and 15,000 overnight stays annually and to support around 1,000 young people. Ilka Bessin, a German comedian known as "Cindy aus Marzahn," acted as a project patron for the initiative starting in 2020. She visited homeless youth in Berlin and used her platform during a live charity marathon to call for donations. The Bertelsmann group, the Stern Stiftung, and RTL Radio also provided media support and funding to complete the project.