Hi there, my name is Franziska and I work as a Project Manager in the Berlin office, focusing on large CapEx projects, clean tech, and hydrogen topics within the Energy and Infrastructure practice. My consulting day-to-day work is dynamic, demanding, and sometimes challenging. In contrast to that, for more than six years now, my Sundays during the winter months have followed a very different rhythm – volunteering at a soup kitchen for people experiencing homelessness in Berlin.

Staying socially engaged in a new city

When I moved to Berlin, I knew I wanted to continue the kind of social engagement that had always been part of my life. A friend from my scholarship network mentioned that a soup kitchen was looking for volunteers. It felt like the right opportunity – not only to support others, but also to build connections beyond my immediate personal and professional circle.

Social engagement has accompanied me since my youth, for example when volunteering in church and other social initiatives, organizing youth camps and after finishing school, I spent a voluntary service year in Argentina. For me, getting involved has always been a way to actively contribute to society and foster genuine connection.

More than just serving food

The soup kitchen operates every Sunday during the winter and is run entirely by volunteers. It is part of Berlin’s official cold-weather support program and welcomes people who are homeless or living in highly precarious situations.

Our Sundays start with collecting surplus food from a nearby hospital. We prepare the space, set up tables, and serve a hot lunch along with coffee and tea. By early afternoon, the food is usually gone – a clear sign of how high the demand is.

But what matters most to me is not the meal itself. It’s about creating a space where people feel seen and welcome. From noon until around 2 PM, our guests can sit down, warm up, rest, and talk. Especially during Berlin’s cold winters, that small window of stability can mean a lot.

Balancing consulting and volunteering

In addition to volunteering on Sundays, I’m part of the organizational team. I coordinate weekly shifts, manage communication within the volunteer group, and ensure smooth handovers between teams. Every Thursday, I block time in my calendar for these tasks. Balancing this with my role as a Project Manager is sometimes a stretch, but because this commitment is important to me, I make it work. It gives me energy in a very different way than my job in consulting does.

For me, working in consulting also means operating in a “bubble” of relative stability and privilege: We have secure jobs and competitive salaries. That protects us in many ways. When I walk through Berlin and then spend my Sunday at the soup kitchen, I am reminded how different realities can be within the same city. Volunteering helps me consciously step outside my bubble. It makes me reflect on the responsibility that comes with being in a privileged position.

The social engagement I pursue is not only about charity. It’s about connection, perspective, and shared humanity. It has broadened my horizons – not only by allowing me to learn from others, but also by helping me learn more about myself.

Rethinking stereotypes about homelessness

Over the years, my understanding of homelessness has broadened a lot. Many people imagine it in a very narrow way. The reality is much more diverse: There are elderly people whose pensions are no longer sufficient. There are women who try to hide how precarious their situation is. There is often a deep sense of shame. For many, coming to a soup kitchen is a last resort.

At the same time, the numbers are growing, and the issue is becoming increasingly visible in Berlin. What used to be easier to overlook can no longer be ignored.

Taking the first step

If colleagues ask me how to get involved, my advice is simple: ask around. Talk to friends, family, or coworkers. Almost everyone knows someone who is already engaged in some form of volunteering. It doesn’t have to be something big. What matters is taking the first step.

Support also doesn’t always mean giving your time. Many initiatives rely on financial or material donations. Even raising awareness can make a difference.

A moment I won’t forget

One experience in particular has stayed with me. During the COVID period, I noticed that one of our guests didn’t look well. I encouraged him to seek medical help. The following week, I learned that he had a serious rib fracture dangerously close to his heart.

That moment made me realize how important it is to pay attention. Sometimes people neglect their health until the pain becomes unbearable. Simply being present, noticing something is wrong, and encouraging someone to take action can truly make a difference.

When I think about social responsibility, my key motivation is: What kind of world do I want to live in? And if we’re not there yet, what can I contribute to move us a little closer? For me, sometimes change starts with a warm meal, an open conversation, and the decision to show up, week after week.