Neukölln's Tea and Warmth Center Plus Breaks Ground to Expand Crisis Support

A groundbreaking ceremony kicks off a bold project to combat homelessness. With 16 studio apartments and vital services, this center redefines aid in Berlin's Neukölln.

, and Administrator

2026 March 26 . 11:01 PM

1 min read

The image shows a homeless person sleeping on the sidewalk in front of a building at night. We can... — The image shows a homeless person sleeping on the sidewalk in front of a building at night. We can see a blanket and a bench on the ground, as well as a group of people standing on the footpath, some vehicles on the road, a street pole, some trees, a signboard, some buildings with windows, and a cloudy sky.

Neukölln's Tea and Warmth Center Plus Breaks Ground to Expand Crisis Support

Neukölln has launched a new social project called Tea and Warmth Center Plus. The initiative aims to offer stability and a route to independent living for people in distress. A groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction, with key figures in attendance. The original Tea and Warmth Center has been helping those in need for over 40 years. The new Plus version will keep its existing services while adding more support options. These include hot meals, clean clothing, showers, counselling, and temporary housing.

The project is led by the Evangelical Church District of Neukölln and the Simeon Diaconal Foundation. Funding comes mainly from the Evangelical Church District and the Berlin Lottery Foundation. The new centre will feature 16 studio apartments for people facing urgent housing crises. At the groundbreaking event, Governing Mayor Kai Wegner, Elke Büdenbender, and Senator Franziska Giffey were present. Construction is underway, with the centre expected to open by late 2027.

Once completed, the Tea and Warmth Center Plus will expand aid for vulnerable individuals in Neukölln. The 16 studio apartments and additional services will provide both immediate relief and long-term support. The project builds on decades of work by the original centre while introducing new housing solutions.