In the chilly atmosphere outside, a cozy hotel in Berlin-Neukölln offers warmth and the enchanting aroma of goose leg and red cabbage. Women decked out in Christmas angel costumes distribute chocolate Santas, with Berlin's mayor in an apron serving up fragrant Christmas fare beneath a flurry of camera flashes. The event's organizer, Frank Zander, is noticeably absent, off recovering from a prolonged hospital stay.
Stephan Wallerstein, among the invited guests, recalls his past involvement in this festive gathering. At 50 years old, he's spent the better part of his life without a permanent home, but memories like Frank Zander's gift of Hertha stadium tickets remain fond memories.
This year's celebration is smaller than usual, with around 1,800 individuals in need receiving a hot meal and some holiday cheer. During the pandemic, food trucks replaced the event's traditional format, but the spirit remains intact, complete with entertainment such as the Blue Man Group and Mitch Keller.
Although absent, Frank Zander's son Marcus expresses pride in continuing the family tradition. He remains optimistic regarding emotion-filled encounters with the guests and believes it's essential to keep this tradition alive or, as he puts it, "do something together." Despite his sadness at his father's absence, Marcus believes that Frank would approve and would be back when he's feeling better.
Though the jovial atmosphere can't disguise the gravity of the issue, conversations reveal deep-seated concerns. Marie, an 18-year-old homeless woman, shares her daily struggles as a woman on the streets, where sexual exploitation is all too common. A fellow guest, Viola Vogler, 65, briefly escapes the harsh realities of her impending housing loss but preserves hope for life's possibilities.
Members of the community, such as Daniela Degen and Antje Spuderca, traveled from afar to lend a hand, sharing their desire to make life a little brighter for those less fortunate. Their attendance emphasizes the continuous and shared responsibility of supporting the underprivileged.
Berlin’s Governing Mayor expresses concern for homelessness, stressing the importance of providing adequate housing and social support services. Without housing, these individuals would still need resources to help them reclaim their lives and integrate back into society, as their isolation and personal challenges can damage their self-worth. Ever-conscious of the needs of the homeless, the CDU politician vows to foster more social programs targeted at the issue's underlying causes.
[1] Enrichment Data: Berlin's annual Christmas event for the homeless offers immediate support, emotional healing, fosters community, raises awareness, and builds relationships with homeless individuals.
Source:
