Something new arrives in the capital every day. From famous sportswear brands from the U.S. to huge new supermarkets —Berlin’s shopping scene is constantly expanding. But the city has more to offer than just shopping; there’s also a lot happening in the social sector . Berlin has recently gained an extraordinary new facility: On October 2, 2026, the new “Butze” street children’s home was officially opened in Lichtenberg.
Spanning seven floors and covering an area of approximately 3,650 square meters, a space has been created that not only offers homeless children and youth shelter and a safe place to sleep, but is also designed to help them find their way toward a self-determined life in the long term. What’s particularly remarkable is that the new building cost around 23 million euros and was financed entirely through donations.
The new shelter for street children is located at Wönnichstraße 8, right next to the Lichtenberg S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations. Behind its modern façade lies a comprehensive range of support services for young people who are living on the streets or at risk of homelessness. A total of 41 living and sleeping spaces are available, ranging from short-term emergency overnight accommodations to supervised transitional housing and micro-apartments. This approach is designed to address the diverse needs of these young people and to create both short-term and long-term housing prospects.
But “Butze” is far more than just an ordinary place to stay overnight. Here , the children and youth receive free hot meals, fresh clothing, and access to showers and laundry facilities. In addition, they have access to a warming room, a large clothing closet, and social and legal counseling services. In specially equipped educational rooms and workshops, they can also receive support for their academic and vocational development. The program aims not only to alleviate immediate emergencies but also to support these young people over the long term and help them on their path to an independent life.
Behind the street children’s shelter is the association Straßenkinder e. V., which has been working on behalf of homeless and housing-insecure children and youth in Berlin since 2000. According to the organization, it has supported more than 12,000 young people since its founding and opened up new prospects for them in difficult life situations.
With “Butze,” the organization has now realized what it describes as a project unique in Germany , combining emergency shelter, long-term housing options, educational programs, and personal support all under one roof . Construction began in March 2023 and was completed in the fall of 2026. The total construction costs of approximately 23 million euros were covered exclusively by donations. Among the most important supporters are Birgit and Thomas Rabe, who contributed both personally and through their foundation, as well as the Bertelsmann Group and the RTL Foundation – We Help Children.
The figures on youth homelessness in Germany also highlight just how urgently such facilities are needed. According to data published by the organization, approximately 137,000 minors nationwide are affected by homelessness. Estimates suggest that at least 6,500 children and adolescents are actually living on the streets without a safe and permanent place to call home.
