A safe and easily accessible place for homeless people to store their belongings is being created on the streets of Berlin-Reinickendorf. We are talking about secure lockers for the homeless, which have been created in collaboration between Variocube and Home & Care. This initiative is more than just a pilot project, it is a sign of social responsibility combined with technological progress.
Personal commitment and political will make realisation possible
Behind this initiative is above all the personal commitment of Norbert Raeder. As landlord of the Kastanienwäldchen pub and district manager, he always had an open ear for the concerns of the homeless. His commitment went far beyond the usual by not only providing food and drink in his pub, but also serving as a safe place to store the belongings of those in need.
Together with Uwe Brockhausen, the deputy district mayor of Reinickendorf, Raeder not only turned an idea into reality, but also sent a strong signal in favour of social commitment. "It's a great feeling when you don't always just talk about something in committees, but actually create something that you can touch," says Raeder. The ceremonial opening of the locker facility for the homeless is an example of non-partisan cooperation.
Home & Care finances and operates the locker facility for the homeless
Home & Care, headed by Thomas Mertens, bore the financial burden of the project and emphasised that the district funding was rejected. The financial support was of secondary importance compared to the added social value of the project. Thanks to this attitude, Home & Care was able to cover the entire costs and realise the lockers for the homeless. Mertens is already planning to expand the facility if it is well received and is open to further facilities to expand the help on offer.
Security in everyday life: more than just a locker
The lockers offer people living on the street a safe home for their personal treasures and documents. They protect against theft, accidental disposal by the public order office, the effects of the weather and loss. The special feature: No smartphone is required to use it. An access code, which is issued in the neighbouring shared accommodation, is all that is needed.
Technology meets humanity - operation without a smartphone
The modern technology of the lockers for homeless people, which in this case can be operated without a smartphone, is a prime example of how digitalisation can be made inclusive. The access codes for the system can be collected from the neighbouring shared accommodation. A portrait photo taken on collection ensures that the owner can be clearly identified if the access code is lost. The project shows that technology, low-threshold access and humanity do not have to be opposites.
The pilot project: a practical test for a better future
The lockers installed in Berlin-Reinickendorf are the start of a practical test in which the processes are checked and adapted under real conditions. This step is crucial in order to optimise efficiency and user-friendliness and to expand the concept to other areas.
Social responsibility and technology: a successful partnership
The cooperation between Home & Care as the operator and Variocube as the supplier of the locker system and software is proof that companies can take on social responsibility and work together with social organisations to improve life in the community. This partnership could become a model for similar projects throughout Germany.
Variocube: Commitment to inclusion and social projects
Variocube also demonstrates its commitment to social issues by supporting the Unlock4All project, which realises inclusive parcel stations for people with disabilities. These stations are accessible to everyone and emphasise Variocube's commitment to making new locker technologies accessible to all.
