SEiN Knowledge Hub

Information is not equal to knowledge,
Knowledge is not equal to wisdom,
We need people to make wise decisions and act with integrity.

This is a shared platform for guidance, support, and compassionate action for helping Berlin homeless.

Inspired by Crisis.org and a dear friend in Portugal who regularly supports the homeless by printing and sharing helpful information, this project seeks to create a centralized Knowledge Hub. Its aim is twofold:

To provide essential, accessible information for people in vulnerable situations—such as the homeless
To guide those who want to help with practical ways to do so.

More than just a resource list, this hub will serve as a platform that consolidates information from various initiatives, making it easier to navigate support systems, access services, and foster compassionate action.

About SEiN

SEiN(Save Everyone in Need) is A Christian Education & Business and Social Initiative for Berlin’s Homeless.

This project offers a holistic, faith-based response to the homelessness crisis in Berlin, where increasing social needs confront limited government resources. Inspired by the legacy of George Müller’s faith and William Wilberforce’s advocacy, the initiative combines ministry, Christian social education, business creation, and policy engagement to restore lives and renew communities.

Core Focus

Understanding

Aim to understand every aspect of homelessness—from the causes that lead people into homelessness, to their current mindset and behaviors, and how they may be categorized into different groups. While research can be conducted from a macro perspective, this is also a personal reminder: each individual is created in the image of God and is uniquely made.

Education & Business

Discipleship-first education that empowers individuals with both spiritual grounding and practical skills for employment and independent living. Quality matters far more than quantity—a surrendered heart is worth more than many that are double-minded. Social businesses are launched not just for income, but to restore dignity and community through meaningful, faith-filled work.

Addressing systemic gaps—especially in housing and healthcare—by building partnerships and advocating for policies that reflect justice and compassion. Rooted in truth and prayer, this effort seeks to ensure the most vulnerable are seen, heard, and supported.

Understanding from the Ground Up

Learning Through Real Stories

This project focuses on collecting and learning from real-life case studies of organizations serving people affected by homelessness. By looking closely at what works—and why—it helps us grow in practical wisdom, relational sensitivity, and communication that truly connects.

➡️Current status:

Having conversations with volunteers and social workers on the field

1 Core Objectives

Learn from frontline organizations
- Study their approaches to housing, addiction recovery, job creation, and holistic care
- Observe how they build long-term relationships with the homeless community
Understand communication and trust-building
- Explore how to speak with empathy and listen with respect
- Identify common barriers to trust and how organizations work to overcome them
Document practical case studies
- Highlight successes, failures, and lessons learned from real-life scenario
- Create accessible formats (written, video, or interview-based) for sharing

2 Action Points

Identify Key Organizations
- Reach out to local faith-based shelters, and outreach teams
- Select 5–10 diverse case study examples (by approach, size, and focus)
Conduct Interviews & Field Visits
- Spend time with staff and volunteers on-site
- Collect stories, observe interactions, and document practices
Gather Personal Stories (with consent)
- Speak with individuals who have experienced homelessness
- Focus on how they were approached, helped, and respected
Analyze Communication Patterns
- Identify what builds trust and what creates distance
- Study language, tone, and body language used in different settings
Document & Organize Case Studies (with consent)
- Create a library of written summaries, videos, and photo essays
- Highlight key takeaways and practical applications for each case

3 Long-Term Impact

Over time, this project will help shape a culture of deeper understanding and more effective care among those serving the homeless. By learning directly from real-life examples, we will grow in wisdom, not just theory. The case studies and communication insights will continue to equip new leaders, social workers, and faith communities—building a foundation of respect, empathy, and practical skill. Ultimately, this project will contribute to a more relational and human-centered approach to homelessness in Berlin and beyond, where people are not only served but truly seen.

Uncovering the Roots

A Systems-Level Investigation

This project takes a step back to examine the broader forces that have led to the growing homelessness crisis in Berlin and beyond. Rather than focusing solely on individual needs, it investigates the systemic causes—economic trends, policy failures, social dynamics, and structural inequalities—that have made stable housing unattainable for so many.

➡️Current status:

Conducting research on major social and economic shifts in the EU over the past 20 years and their impact on homelessness trends.

1 Core Objectives

Analyze key drivers of homelessness
- Study housing market trends, wage stagnation, and welfare gaps
- Examine immigration, mental health infrastructure, and urban policy shifts
Map systemic breakdowns
- Identify where government policies, economic models, or social safety nets fall short
- Highlight intersections between homelessness and other crises (e.g. addiction, family breakdown, gentrification)
Engage experts and institutions
- Partner with economists, policy researchers, sociologists, and urban planners
- Hold roundtables or interviews to gather diverse perspectives
Create strategic recommendations
- Suggest preventive policies and long-term reforms
- Provide faith-informed insights to inspire just and compassionate policymaking

2 Action Points

Integrate a Faith-Based Lens
- Reflect on biblical and theological insights related to justice, systems, and human dignity
- Consider how churches and faith-based groups can advocate for systemic change
Conduct a Literature Review
- Analyze existing research on homelessness trends in Germany and Europe
- Study policy reports, housing market data, and economic analyses
Collect and Analyze Data
- Gather statistics on homelessness rates, housing costs, unemployment, mental health services, and migration
- Identify patterns and correlations over the past 20 years
Engage with Experts
- Interview or consult with economists, urban planners, sociologists, and public health professionals
- Organize expert roundtables or small forums for discussion
Map Policy Gaps and Structural Failures
- Examine how laws and social systems (e.g. housing policy, minimum wage, mental health care) contribute to homelessness
- Identify missed opportunities and unintended consequences in existing systems
Study International Models
- Research cities or countries with successful homelessness prevention strategies
- Compare their political, economic, and social frameworks to Berlin’s context
Develop and Publish a Summary Report
- Compile findings into an accessible white paper or visual summary
- Offer recommendations for policy, prevention strategies, and collaborative action

3 Long-Term Impact

This research will shape how we think about homelessness—not as a personal failure, but as a symptom of larger systemic problems. Over time, it will help inform public policy, guide advocacy efforts, and equip faith communities to speak with moral clarity and strategic wisdom into the structures that shape society.

Healthcare System Investigation

Researching with Purpose: Advancing Public Health for the Marginalized

This investigation will explore how homeless individuals access and navigate Berlin’s healthcare system, with a focus on identifying barriers such as fragmented mental health services, limited continuity of care, and challenges in system navigation. By engaging with local hospitals, mobile clinics, shelters, and social workers, the study will map existing support structures and highlight critical gaps where vulnerable populations fall through. Insights from Berlin’s context will also serve as a comparative case for broader global health discussions, linking local realities with international strategies for equitable healthcare delivery.

➡️Current status:

Brainstorming the topic
Searching for relevent supervisors
Having conversations with people

1 Core Objectives

Design a Custom Research Topic

The candidate will explore gaps and challenges in the current healthcare system as they relate to homeless individuals, such as mental health services, continuity of care, or system navigation.
Bridge Research and Practice

The project connects the candidate with a diverse pool of public health researchers, faith-based organizations, healthcare institutions, and social workers.
Global Academic Flexibility

With Charité’s open supervision policy, the candidate can choose supervisors from around the world who share their research interests and faith-informed values.
- PhD in Global Health at Charité (Below are referenced from the website)
  
  The structured PhD program Global Health at the Charité is a collaboration between seven partnering institutions. It aims to train excellent scientists for leadership positions in global health. The program imparts an interdisciplinary perspective on health and a sensitivity to inter-cultural factors affecting health.
Drive Long-Term Impact

Research findings will inform practical models for healthcare delivery, community support, and public policy, both locally and internationally.

2 Action Points

Define Research Focus
- Identify key gaps in healthcare for homeless individuals (e.g., mental health, continuity of care).
- Frame research questions within the Global Health PhD and SDG framework.
Build Collaborative Network
- Connect with public health researchers, faith-based groups, and social workers.
- Ground the project in practical insights from frontline healthcare providers.
Select Supervisory Team
- Map and approach global supervisors with expertise in homelessness and health equity.
- Finalize Charité-approved supervision aligned with faith-informed values.
Design & Pilot Research
- Develop ethical and robust methodology suited for vulnerable populations.
- Run a pilot study in Berlin with local partners and refine tools.
Analyze, Publish & Implement
- Translate findings into practical models and policy recommendations.
- Disseminate results through journals, conferences, and community partners.

3 Long-Term Impact

Become a voice that helps shape how we care for people experiencing homelessness. Their findings can influence how hospitals, clinics, and policymakers respond to real needs on the ground. Churches, charities, and local organizations will also benefit from practical, research-based insights that help them serve better. Over time, this work can build new partnerships, guide future projects, and inspire others to combine faith, research, and action to bring real healing into broken systems.

Knowledge Hub

A shared platform for guidance, support, and compassionate action for helping Berlin homeless.

To provide essential, accessible information for people in vulnerable situations—such as the homeless
To guide those who want to help with practical ways to do so.

➡️Current status:

Gathering and structuring relevant information
Developing the foundational infrastructure for the platform

1 Core Objectives

Provide Accessible Support Information

Collect and present clear, up-to-date resources for individuals in vulnerable situations—such as the homeless—so they know where and how to get help.
Empower People to Help Effectively

Offer practical guidance and resources for individuals, churches, and organizations who want to support those in need but don’t know where to start.
Centralize and Consolidate Initiatives

Serve as a unifying platform that brings together information from various outreach projects, maximizing visibility and reducing duplication of effort.
Bridge Communication Gaps

Create materials in accessible formats (printable guides, digital maps, multilingual content) to ensure information reaches people across different barriers.
Encourage Local and Sustainable Engagement

Promote long-term, community-based solutions by highlighting local initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and low-barrier entry points for service.

2 Action Points

Resource Mapping & Community Collaboration

Identify local services, connect with frontline workers, and gather insights to ensure the hub reflects real needs and trusted support options.
Content Creation & Distribution

Develop clear, accessible materials—both printable and digital—to serve people in crisis and equip those who want to help, including multilingual and localized guides.
Platform Development & Integration

Build a user-friendly platform that consolidates existing initiatives and allows for easy updates, filtering, and community submissions.

3 Long-Term Impact

The Knowledge Hub aims to become a sustainable and trusted bridge between those in need and those willing to help. By centralizing and simplifying access to essential information, the platform will reduce the isolation and confusion often faced by people in crisis. Over time, it will foster a more connected and compassionate community, where support is not only more visible but also more actionable.

Meetings notes 20250921

Brainstorming

Key Points

Training programs would center on practical skills like cooking and hairdressing that directly address the needs of the homeless community.
Cooking training would focus on preparing simple food to serve homeless people, with the expectation that recipients might eventually want to become trained chefs themselves.
Hairdressing services would help homeless individuals clean up their appearance, as they particularly need assistance with hair and beard maintenance.
The project operates on a "train and supply" concept where trained homeless individuals would provide services to meet the specific needs of their community.
Biblical discipleship and teachings would be integrated into the training program to instill a service-oriented mindset in participants.
Participants would be taught that they need to serve people rather than only being recipients of help, creating a shift from dependency to contribution.

Action Items:

Train homeless people in specific occupations like cooking and hairdressing.
Incorporate biblical teachings and instill a mindset of serving others in the training program for homeless people.

Meetings notes 20250922

Brainstorming

Key Points

Building relationships with existing homeless assistance organizations is necessary to understand geographic coverage, identify responsible entities for each area, and ensure all areas have adequate support.
Understanding homeless people's behavior patterns regarding which parks, spaces, and stations they frequent is essential for providing effective assistance and ensuring they have access to help.
Resource optimization is critical since resources are limited, and the project should avoid redundant efforts while maximizing the effectiveness of existing support systems.
Berlin government involvement should be requested to raise their awareness about homeless issues and address systemic problems like banking access for people without registered addresses.
Banking presents a significant barrier for homeless people who cannot open accounts due to lack of registered addresses, and each organization has limitations on how many people they can register.
Public awareness campaigns should focus on directing people to correct information rather than temporary help like food, since homeless individuals need comprehensive plans to escape their situation.
Information will be shared through a simple website platform using Markdown Book without fancy features, focusing on functionality over aesthetics.
Structural organization of information needs consideration, potentially categorized by region, causes, or other relevant aspects to create a comprehensive resource database.
Research into existing global organizations doing similar work should be conducted to learn from their approaches while customizing solutions for Berlin's specific legal and social context.
Local laws and regulations must be verified, such as restrictions on where homeless people can stay, since these vary between countries and require localization of any imported strategies.
Well-developed international organizations could potentially be invited to establish Berlin branches, which would provide mature systems for homeless assistance while creating local job opportunities.
Raising awareness among both the public and homeless individuals is important, emphasizing that homelessness burdens society and that everyone has responsibilities and duties to support one another.
Demonstrating the project's purpose to the community is essential to show that efforts are made for societal benefit rather than personal gain, encouraging broader community involvement and support.
Solid action steps need to be established to ensure measurable progress, and the collective should be engaged to help with organizational precision once project analysis and action points are documented.

Action Items

Consolidate existing resources to help homeless people in Berlin.
Build relationships with organizations that help homeless people in Berlin.
Map the geography of Berlin to identify areas covered by different organizations and any gaps.
Study the behavior patterns of homeless people, such as preferred parks, spaces, and stations.
Ensure homeless people have access to help.
Involve the Berlin government to raise awareness about issues faced by homeless people.
Address challenges faced by homeless people, such as accessing bank accounts due to lack of address registration.
Raise public awareness about how to help homeless people and direct them to appropriate resources.
Create a website using Markdown Book to share information about helping homeless people.
Structure the website information based on regions, causes, or other relevant aspects.
Study existing organizations worldwide that are working on similar initiatives and consider collaborating or localizing their efforts for Berlin.
Customize and localize adopted solutions to account for Berlin's specific laws and regulations.
Explore the possibility of established organizations extending their operations to Berlin, considering job opportunities.
Raise awareness among homeless people about developing a mindset of self-responsibility and contributing to society.
Demonstrate the project's ideas to others and encourage their involvement and suggestions.
Lay out action points, difficulties, and analysis for the project to seek help from the collective.
Grow connections and seek help from existing resources, skillsets, people, ideas, and thoughts.