In view of the energy crisis, people in Berlin should have additional rooms to warm up, meet and exchange ideas during the cold season. To this end, a "warmth network" started on Friday. Public institutions such as libraries or district centers take part in the initiative, but also, for example, clubs, church communities, social institutions and intercultural meeting places. Companies also want to support the project.
The common basis is a charter signed by more than 20 personalities from politics, religion, social affairs, business, crafts and culture in the Red Town Hall. The participants contribute with premises as a contact point for people who feel overwhelmed by high prices during the energy crisis, who feel alone or who have a cold apartment. There - so the idea - there are not only opportunities to catch one's breath and to exchange ideas or a warm drink, but also offers of advice and human warmth.
"We are currently experiencing a time of crises and many challenges," said Mayor Franziska Giffey (SPD). "This time makes us feel very clearly that we as a society have to stick together and strengthen solidarity. And that's exactly what the warmth network is about. We show that Berlin sticks together."
The project, which is now to gradually grow, was initiated by Social Senator Katja Kipping (left). "Our network of warmth creates a social bond of solidarity and togetherness in our city," she explained. "All democratic forces are welcome, everyone can participate in the spirit of the warmth charter."
In these times, there is a need for community, said the Bishop of the Evangelical Church Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Upper Lusatia, Christian Stäblein. "It cannot and must not be that in this country and in our city people have to choose between starvation or heating." The churches are happy to be part of the network. "Being there for one another is part of the DNA of the Christian faith."
The Catholic Archbishop of Berlin, Heiner Koch, made a similar statement. "Even if we save on heating our churches, we will open places of gathering and warmth and offer people a variety of help for self-help." He encouraged all parishes, institutions and families to take action themselves and, for example, to open up parish rooms, make cooking possible together and overcome loneliness.
"No one should be alone in their perhaps cold apartment," emphasized Gabriele Schlimper, Managing Director of the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband Berlin. "Because nothing is worse than social isolation and cold." Susanne Buss from Volkssolidarität added: "It is important to us that no one feels left alone, especially in these challenging times."
The "Warmth Network" is part of Berlin's 1.6 billion euro relief package to get people, institutions and companies through the winter in the face of rising energy and living costs. The Senate is funding the project with eleven million euros.
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