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wants to drink something at fmd_goodThe Cellar
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Why are there homeless in Berlin/Germany?
The long story:
I had a conversation with a colleague on giving alms to the… Id really appreciate replies from anyone who has worked with the homeless and has some constructive feedback on the issue.
The long story:
I had a conversation with a colleague on giving alms to the homeless and they had a strong position against giving alms to the homeless since they were there "by choice" or by "slacking off". They explained to me that the Government has several schemes where they give money like unemployment benefits and H4 payment which should ensure that at least everyone would have a home and an acceptable life. I understand that the existence of homeless in countries with less social safety net but given these benefits why are there still some on the streets?
Reflecting on that argument, i dont buy in the "by choice" argument but rather would like to believe there is an underline to those policies? maybe there is some crack in those policies where some fall into and end up homeless? I find it completely illogical for anyone to find it rational to be homeless in winter weather.
I am hoping someone can explain real cases of how someone ended up being homeless due to a crack in policy or rather by choice.
follow-up question: is there an institution where one can donate money to or volunteer that works with the homeless
youre right that the by choice thing is mostly bs. i know a guy who ended up on the streets after his landlord sold the building and the new owner did illegal renovations, he fought it in court for months but lost his job from missing work, then his savings ran out before the jobcenter processed his stuff. theres a gap between losing housing and getting hartz-iv approved that can take weeks or months, and if you dont have family to crash with you're screwed.
for volunteering, check out Berliner Stadtmission near Hauptbahnhof, they have a soup kitchen and a shelter. they also have a Kältebus that drives around at night in winter giving out blankets and warm drinks. another one is GEBEWO in Neukölln, they do outreach work and take volunteers for their overnight shifts at the shelter. both are legit and will actually show you where the problems are instead of just talking about them.
Where to Stay in Berlin (2026)
Mitte is Berlin's historic and tourist-friendly heart, packed with landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island. Expect higher prices, with mid-range hotels aver… 🏙️ Mitte for First-Timers
Mitte is Berlin's historic and tourist-friendly heart, packed with landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island. Expect higher prices, with mid-range hotels averaging 150-250 euros per night. It's ideal for sightseers who want to walk to major attractions.
🍻 Kreuzberg for Nightlife
Kreuzberg is the epicenter of Berlin's alternative scene, with countless bars, clubs, and street food markets. Hostels and budget hotels start around 40-80 euros per night, while boutique options run 100-180 euros. It's perfect for partygoers and those who love a gritty, creative vibe.
🌳 Prenzlauer Berg for Families
Prenzlauer Berg offers leafy streets, playgrounds, and a relaxed atmosphere centered around Mauerpark and Kulturbrauerei. Family-friendly apartments and hotels cost 120-200 euros per night. It's a top choice for travelers with kids who want quiet evenings and good cafes.
💻 Friedrichshain for Digital Nomads
Friedrichshain combines coworking spaces like Betahaus with a lively social scene along Warschauer Strasse. Monthly apartment rentals for nomads range from 800 to 1,500 euros. The area offers fast internet and easy access to the S-Bahn and U-Bahn.
💰 Neukölln for Budget Travelers
Neukölln is a multicultural, up-and-coming district with affordable hostels from 25 euros per night and cheap street food along Weserstrasse. It's less polished than Mitte but full of character and local life. Budget-conscious travelers will find great value here.
🚇 Getting Around Berlin
Berlin's public transit (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, buses) is efficient and covers all neighborhoods. A single ticket costs 3.50 euros, while a day pass is 9.90 euros. Most areas are well-connected, so you can stay slightly outside the center and still explore easily.
🏠 Hidden Gem: Schöneberg
Schöneberg offers a quieter, residential feel with charming streets and the famous Winterfeldtplatz market. Hotels here are often 20-30% cheaper than in Mitte, averaging 90-130 euros per night. It's great for travelers who want local vibes without the tourist crowds.
The guide gets Prenzlauer Berg right for families but doesn't mention how good it is for solo travelers who want quiet. I stayed near Helmholtzplatz for a week and loved having the U2 line right there, it's about 12 minutes to Alexanderplatz. The Saturday flea market at Mauerpark gets packed but the food stalls are worth fighting through the crowd, especially the Turkish gozleme stand near the back. Just know that finding a grocery store open past 8pm in Prenzlauer Berg can be a hassle, so stock up early.
I stayed in Schöneberg on my last visit and it was the right call. The morning market at Winterfeldtplatz on Saturdays is worth planning around. You can grab fresh produce and a crepe for breakfast, then walk to U-Bahn Nollendorfplatz in about five minutes. Mitte is only ten minutes by train but the neighborhood feels genuinely local.
solid breakdown, i'd add that the Schöneberg mention is spot-on but the guide leaves out how good the U1 line is for getting around. from Nollendorfplatz you're at Warschauer Strasse in like 10 minutes and Kottbusser Tor in maybe 6, so you can hit both Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain without a transfer. my partner and i stayed near Akazienstrasse last year and paid 95 a night for a quiet room with a balcony, way better value than anything in Mitte. the Akazienstrasse itself has a couple of great italian delis and a small cinema that shows english-language films, worth a lazy afternoon