Frankfurt Offers Cooling Buses for Homeless During Heatwave

Frankfurt is deploying two air-conditioned buses, dubbed "cooling mobiles," to offer respite to homeless individuals during the current heatwave. These repurposed buses will be stationed at the central Willy-Brandt-Platz until the end of August, providing a much-needed escape from extreme temperatures.

Each mobile unit can accommodate approximately 40 people and will be accessible daily from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. "Extreme heat in city centers is a health risk – especially for homeless people. Because they cannot simply cool off in an air-conditioned shopping mall or restaurant," said Elke Voitl, the city's health and social affairs representative.

“

Extreme heat in city centers is a health risk – especially for homeless people. Because they cannot simply cool off in an air-conditioned shopping mall or restaurant.

The initiative aims to provide a quick and practical response to the hot summer conditions. In addition to a cool environment, free drinking water will be available inside the buses. Oliver Pitsch, a regional director for the Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe, noted that personnel will be on hand to connect individuals with further assistance if needed.

The cooling mobiles complement Frankfurt's existing measures to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat. These include teams distributing water and other essentials via cargo bikes and a "heat bus" that operates during evenings and nights, similar to the city's winter "cold bus." These efforts underscore the city's commitment to safeguarding its most at-risk residents from the dangers of high temperatures.

“

With the cooling mobiles, the city of Frankfurt is expanding its measures to protect particularly vulnerable people in extreme heat.