Die BUTZE – A home for young people in need

The BUTZE is much more than just a new building - it is a safe place that gives young people in difficult situations hope, orientation and new perspectives. Here, children and young people will not only find a roof over their heads, but above all warmth, care and support.

Around 6,500 minors are living on the streets in Germany, several hundred of them in Berlin. In response to the steadily growing number of homeless young people, the BUTZE shelter for street children was established. Located directly next to Lichtenberg S-Bahn and U-Bahn station, this unique facility, the first of its kind in Germany, offers approximately 3,650 m² of usable space. Its aim is to help homeless children and young people leave the streets as quickly as possible, provide them with long-term care and support, and guide them towards an independent, self-determined life.

A Wide Range of Support Services Under One Roof

BUTZE brings together a wide range of coordinated support services under one roof. These include a community space with a warm shelter, a large communal kitchen, facilities for social and legal counselling, workshops and educational spaces for career guidance, shower and washing facilities, a clothing bank, and a dedicated base for the street outreach team.

At the heart of the building are 41 residential and sleeping spaces for young people. The accommodation options range from emergency overnight shelter and transitional housing to supported independent living and micro-apartments.

As part of its street outreach work, the team from Straßenkinder e. V. is already active on the streets of Berlin, providing immediate, practical assistance – for example, by distributing food, clothing and hygiene products. In addition, young people receive individual support through social and legal counselling, as well as assistance with administrative procedures and dealing with public authorities.

Particular emphasis is placed on providing personal and continuous support. Through a relationship-based approach, dedicated support workers build trust and provide emotional stability and a sense of security. These reliable relationships form an essential foundation for helping young people develop new perspectives for their future and find their way back into society.

A Safe Space for New Opportunities and Future Prospects

Building on its existing street outreach work, BUTZE offers a wide range of support services and creates a safe space where young people can find peace and stability, meet their basic needs, and gradually develop new perspectives for their lives.

Structured daily activities, educational and career guidance, individual counselling, and various housing options promote independence and lay the foundation for a lasting transition away from life on the streets.

The official opening of BUTZE took place in October 2026.

A Groundbreaking Project Made Possible by Donations

BUTZE is a groundbreaking project funded entirely through donations, with a total investment volume of approximately €22 million.

One of the project's principal supporters is the Manfred Strohscheer Stiftung, which has played a key role in supporting the project from the very beginning, making a significant contribution to the creation of this special place of safety and shelter for young people.

Further Information: www.strassenkinder-ev.de/butze