Aroundtown Foundation Supports Berlin’s Cold Weather Buses

The Aroundtown Foundation is supporting the operation of the Berliner Stadtmission’s cold weather buses and is covering the full operating costs for one week. This ensures uninterrupted service at a time when many people urgently depend on this life-saving assistance.

Life-Saving Support Since 1994

The cold weather bus project was established in the winter of 1994 following the tragic death of a homeless man. To prevent such suffering in the future, a volunteer-run cold weather bus initially took to the streets - at that time still a private car. As early as 1995, the first proper bus was launched thanks to a fundraising campaign. Today, the fleet consists of three cold weather buses and a mobile, barrier-free street medical unit, which travel through Berlin night after night during the cold season to transport them to emergency shelters, and protect them from freezing to death.

Last winter, the cold weather buses covered around 37,000 kilometers and transported 2,100 people to emergency shelters - 520 more than the previous year. The steadily rising numbers show how important this service is and how indispensable the work of both full-time and volunteer staff remains.

The cold weather assistance program of the Berliner Stadtmission operates every evening during the winter months from November 1 to March 31, between 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. It specifically seeks out people who are no longer able to reach an emergency shelter on their own. The team offers conversations, distributes warm meals, tea, and, if requested, transports people in need to safe and warm overnight accommodations. Dr. Christian Ceconi, Director of the Berliner Stadtmission, says: “Like a light in the dark of night, the cold weather bus brings warmth and hope. Especially in light of recent events, the safe operation of the cold weather buses is crucial. We therefore sincerely thank the Aroundtown Foundation for its support, which makes this help possible.”

The cold weather buses of the Berliner Stadtmission continue to rely entirely on donations and the commitment of dedicated individuals. Without people who support the cold weather assistance program, call the cold weather bus, or donate clothing and money, this life-saving work would not be possible.

Limor Bermann, Chief Sustainability Officer at Aroundtown, adds: “By covering the cold weather bus operating costs for one week, the Aroundtown Foundation is sending a clear signal of solidarity. Especially during the currently very cold winter nights, fast and reliable assistance is essential.”

About the Aroundtown Foundation

The Aroundtown Foundation was established in 2018. The foundation assumes social responsibility and is specifically committed to supporting projects and institutions in the neighborhoods surrounding Aroundtown’s real estate portfolio, with the aim of strengthening local communities. Its focus areas include projects for children and young people, art and culture, sports initiatives, charitable causes, educational institutions, as well as elderly and healthcare services.

About Aroundtown
Aroundtown is one of Europe's largest real estate companies, MDAX listed and focused on income generating quality properties that have potential for value-add in central locations mainly in Germany, the Netherlands and London. The portfolio comprises mainly office, residential and hotel properties. Hundreds of experienced employees from all areas of the value chain ensure that Aroundtown effectively realizes long-term potential. Professional organization, flexibility, innovation and extensive tenant services make Aroundtown a reliable partner for growth and success. Aroundtown is a sustainability leader in the European market with strong visibility in ESG indices such as the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Index, and more. Aroundtown is a member of the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA), the German Property Federation (ZIA), the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), the UN Global Compact Network Germany, Supporting member of the Society of Property Research (gif) as well as a signatory the Charter of Diversity. Aroundtown has received multiple EPRA BPR Gold Awards and EPRA sBPR Gold Awards for its transparent financial and sustainability reporting. Avisco (controlled by Yakir Gabay) holds 15% in Aroundtown (date: 29.07.2022) and Stumpf Capital GmbH 10% (date: 13.11.2023). Other shareholders include Blackrock, Norges, Vanguard, BNP Paribas, AXA, Alliance-Bernstein, APG, Dekabank, State-Street, Bank of Montreal and many other leading international investors. The main bond investors include ECB, GIC, Union Investment, DB, UBS, Nordea, Allianz, M&G, Pictet, Credit Agricole and many other major institutional investors. In collaboration with the ZIA, Aroundtown is actively committed to promoting innovation and the future viability of the real estate industry. www.aroundtown.de