About the project
What is the DOCK?
What is DOCK? DOCK – Days Without Worries is a two-day event taking place for the seventh time in Hamburg on May 23rd and 24th, 2026. DOCK is aimed at people in difficult life situations – especially homeless people, people with low incomes, and those affected by poverty, exclusion, or social hardship. Over two days, we bring together a wide range of support services in one place: from medical care, counseling, and hygiene services to clothing and veterinary care, as well as good food, common areas, and opportunities to connect with others. DOCK sees itself not only as a source of help but also as a place of arrival.
Our guests should have time to relax, take a breath, and access support without barriers. Many visitors describe DOCK as a place where they feel welcome and seen. The port and the Baakenhöft Cruise Center continue to symbolize openness, encounters, and docking with new opportunities. Behind DOCK is the Karin and Walter Blüchert Memorial Foundation, together with numerous social initiatives, volunteers, and partner organizations from Hamburg. DOCK 2026 will also be the last DOCK at the Baakenhöft Cruise Center before the site is repurposed.
Why do we need the DOCK?
Basic services are a daily task for marginalized groups, requiring a great deal of energy and often straining already scarce resources (e.g., time, money).
A consistently unstable situation regarding the provision of basic needs is a cause for concern. Such psychological distress can result in poorer health and a lower life expectancy.
Providing basic services can at least prevent hardship and suffering for a few days. That's why we need a DOCK: Because every person counts.
Who is invited to DOCK?
The DOCK is open to all people who experience structural barriers of any kind in their everyday lives and are therefore disadvantaged in equal participation in society.
These systemically marginalized groups include destitute people in precarious living situations. This includes vulnerable groups such as the homeless, refugees, pensioners living in poverty, welfare recipients, and others.
Anyone can quickly find themselves in this situation. It is the responsibility of our community to stand together and support those for whom a difficult daily life is a reality.
Event overview
May 23, 2026 & May 24, 2026
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cruise Center Baakenhöft in HafenCity
(Baakenhöft 1, 20457 Hamburg)
Topics
Partners
initiator
The foundation
The Karin and Walter Blüchert Memorial Foundation was established in Hamburg in 2016. During his lifetime, the publisher Walter Blüchert stipulated that his legacy should benefit people in need of assistance. Together with his wife Karin Blüchert, he exemplified this value system and worldview of support and helping others.
The foundation's work is characterized by the continuation of these values. It offers immediate, direct help and support to individuals, but also supports institutions that in turn provide direct aid.
The foundation also implements its own projects to initiate sustainable aid. Homelessness, loneliness in old age, everyday violence, and chronic physical and mental illnesses are key areas of focus for the foundation.
