Offers of help in Cottbus: Protection for the homeless in the cold season!

Offers of help in Cottbus: Protection for the homeless in the cold season!

On September 10, 2025, special attention will be paid to the situation of homeless people in Cottbus. On the occasion of “Day of the Homeless”, the German Red Cross – District Association Cottbus-Spree-Neiße-West e. V. to provide information. Here, those affected and interested can find out everything they need to know about the help available. The meeting point is at Ostrower Damm 2, where the accommodation is open every evening from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. for support. In the winter months, the accommodation can even be used from 2 p.m. should the need arise. If you have any questions, you can contact the Red Cross by phone at 0355 – 38 19 325, which offers competent help on site.

The homeless shelter offers simple but decent standards. The premises comply with building regulations, fire protection and infection hygiene requirements and are handed over in a clean condition. Important to know: There is no compulsory accommodation for the use of the accommodation. Each person affected can decide for themselves whether they want to take advantage of the offer. A fundamental right to human dignity is paramount, and accommodation against one's will is only permissible in extreme cases, such as in cases of danger to oneself or others.

Offers of help for the cold season

With winter approaching, the city of Cottbus is offering various offers of help especially for homeless people. In this context, the population is asked to draw attention to homeless and helpless people and to notify the social services department or the police in order to provide assistance. In addition to accommodation at Ostrower Damm, there are numerous other support offers.

• Straßenkaffee: In der Wilhelm-Külz-Straße 10 a steht eine Wärmestube zur Verfügung. Hier gibt es kalte und warme Mahlzeiten sowie Duschen und Waschmöglichkeiten. Öffnungszeiten: Wochentags von 7:30 bis 17:00 Uhr, an Wochenenden und Feiertagen von 9:00 bis 13:00 Uhr, zwischen November und März.
• Fachstelle zur Vermeidung von Obdachlosigkeit: Diese ist unter der Thiemstraße 37 zu erreichen und hilft bei Wohnungsnotfällen.

The city of Cottbus pursues the goal of creating adequate living space for everyone. Emergency shelters are only intended as a temporary solution. Last year, 169 homeless people found a place in the homeless shelter, while the aim is to return to day services as soon as regulations allow.

Comprehensive support for those affected

Diakonie offers around 800 different offers throughout Germany for people affected by homelessness. This includes emergency accommodation, day stays, outpatient and inpatient facilities as well as outreach assistance such as street social work. This support is essential to help those affected get their foot back on the ground.

The causes of homelessness are complex. Rent arrears, economic hardships or critical life events such as a separation or illness often play a role. But the challenges that homeless people face go far beyond material hardship. Social isolation, health problems and bureaucratic hurdles further complicate the situation. It is therefore important that the state also takes action. The national action plan, which aims to eliminate homelessness and homelessness by 2030, needs support more than ever in the form of funding and legal changes.

With its diverse offerings and initiatives, Cottbus shows that help for homeless people is not only important, but also necessary. Sticking together in difficult times is the goal. Let's work together to ensure that no one is left out in the cold.