Heat Protection on the Go: Streetwork Distributes Water Bottles to Homeless People
Carrying water bottles, staff members from the Streetwork division of the Social Services and Job Center were out and about in downtown Wiesbaden on Friday, July 31. On foot, they visited known gathering spots for homeless people, handed out water bottles filled with fresh drinking water, and struck up conversations with them. They also provided information about available support services, public drinking fountains, and cool places to stay in the city.
The initiative is part of the heat protection measures implemented by the state capital of Wiesbaden and is being carried out as part of the “#WOHiN” working group. The goal is to provide low-threshold support to homeless people during prolonged heat waves and to mitigate the health consequences of extreme heat.
“Hot days in particular highlight how important it is to look out for one another. By giving out water bottles, we’re not only providing concrete help—we’re reaching out to people and showing them that they haven’t been forgotten. That’s solidarity in action,” emphasizes Dr. Patricia Becher, Head of Social Affairs.
The reusable water bottles bear the logo of the “#WOHiN” working group and can be refilled for free at around 60 refill stations throughout Wiesbaden. In this way, they contribute to heat protection even beyond the campaign day. The distribution campaign builds on the working group’s initiative launched last year and has since become an integral part of summer outreach social work.
“On hot days, a water bottle is far more than just a practical aid. It makes it easier to connect with people and opens up conversations where we can provide information about heat protection and other support services. At the same time, trust grows—and it is precisely this trust that forms the foundation of successful street social work,” says Ariane Würzberger, director of the Social Services and Job Center.
The “#WOHiN” working group has been in existence since 2021 under the leadership of the Social Services and Job Center. It brings together municipal departments and social service providers with the shared goal of offering low-threshold support to homeless and housing-insecure people in Wiesbaden and opening up long-term prospects for them.
Reports of people in need in public spaces can be submitted at any time to #wohinwiesbadende or by phone to the “#WOHiN” coordination office at (0611) 318236. Further information about the “#WOHiN” working group can be found at: https://www.wiesbaden.de/leben-wohnen/gesellschaft-soziales/soziale-dienste/finanzielle-leistungen/wohin (opens in a new tab).
Pictures
This press release is issued by the Press Office of the State Capital of Wiesbaden, Schlossplatz 6, 65183 Wiesbaden, pressereferatwiesbadende Citizens with questions can contact the responsible department or office.