Department of Health, Social Affairs and Integration

Winter Emergency Program General Information

If you are homeless and need accommodation during the winter months, you can get overnight accommodation through the Winter Emergency Program.

Detailed description

If you are homeless, lack self-help options, and need a safe place to sleep during the winter months, you can take advantage of the City of Hamburg's Winter Emergency Program. The Winter Emergency Program runs each year from November 1 to March 31 of the following year.


During this period, the City of Hamburg is providing additional sleeping space in shared accommodations. There, you can stay safe and warm overnight. These locations also offer hot meals, sanitary facilities, counseling, and medical assistance if needed.

 

Information

Prerequisites

They live on the streets, are destitute and have no other place to sleep.

Documents required

No documents are required.

Please note

Pets are not allowed. Alcohol, drugs, and weapons are prohibited.

Deadlines

From 1 November to 31 March of the following year daily from 5:00 PM to 9:30 AM

Procedure

  • You can arrive at the Winter Emergency Program site starting at 5 p.m. Further information can be found in the "Links" section.
  • You will be briefly checked at the entrance (alcohol, drugs, weapons and pets are not allowed).
  • You will be given a place to sleep.
    • If you come regularly, you'll keep the same sleeping space. Lockable lockers are available. Please bring your own lock.
    • You can use showers, toilets, washing machines and hygiene products.
    • In the evening you will receive a warm meal and hot and cold drinks.
    • Social counseling will help you clarify your affairs.
  • The next morning, after breakfast, you will leave the accommodation at 9:30 a.m. at the latest.
  • During the day, you can use a day center. Further information can be found in the "Links" section.

Processing time

Immediately

Fees

The Winter Emergency Program offers are free of charge for you.

Legal remedies

Not applicable

Legal basis

§ 3 Law on the Protection of Public Safety and Order (HmbSOG)


https://www.landesrecht-hamburg.de/bsha/document/jlr-SOGHAV1P3


§ 8 Law on the Protection of Public Safety and Order (HmbSOG)


https://www.landesrecht-hamburg.de/bsha/document/jlr-SOGHAV1P3

Links on hamburg.de

Address and contact information

Department of Health, Social Affairs and Integration

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Keywords: Soup kitchen

Last updated: 06.02.2026