It's sad to be so alone during the long winter evenings.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
During the autumn and winter months, conditions on the streets are usually unpleasant. In Hamburg, this means alternating rain, wind, and frost, leading to lonely and cold nights. In January 2021, an idea was born that promised closeness, warmth, and companionship. Since then, the WärmBert (HeatBert) has been a familiar sight on the streets. There are 1,000 hot water bottles available, many of which are already out on the streets, distributed by our cooperation partners Recyclehero and StraßenSUPPE (Street Soup).
The WärmBert's can be refilled and exchanged as needed at partner businesses in the catering industry and the homeless support network in Hamburg. A bit of rubber, warm water, and a great idea combined to create "WärmBert," which has been making long, cold nights a little more comfortable ever since.