A Cross-Border Collaboration
for Women in need:
Knackpunkt27 and Serve the City
Following last month’s feature on Serve the City Paris’ women-only soup kitchen, we are delighted to shine a spotlight on our partnership with Knackpunkt27, a German organization dedicated to supporting homeless women. Knackpunkt27, based in Düsseldorf, offers vital support to homeless women aged 27 and over, providing meals, clothing, showers, and daytime services. Another branch of the organisation assists girls aged 14-27. Led by a team of social workers, the organization also assists with administrative hurdles, such as finding housing or accessing financial aid.
Knackpunkt27 joined forces with Serve the City earlier this year to provide guidance and share experiences on addressing the unique needs of homeless women. Serve the City spoke to Sara Klik of Knackpunkt about the collaboration.
Sharing Expertise, Shaping Impact
In September, Sara delivered a workshop for Serve the City volunteers, sharing best practices for reaching homeless women and reflecting on some challenges in providing services to homeless women. Homeless women often remain hidden, seeking refuge in precarious, unsafe spaces to avoid attention and it takes time and trust to reach these women and encourage them to seek help. This invisibility extends to societal awareness. “People don’t think about homeless women because they don’t see them,” she explains.
The collaboration also highlighted some key differences in the demographics of homeless women in Düsseldorf and Paris. In Düsseldorf, many women are long-term street dwellers, often battling addiction, while Paris sees a significant number of women with children, particularly migrants from Africa. “Visiting Paris reminded me that not all homeless women face the same challenges. It helped me see different needs and adapt my perspective,” Sara said.
Creating a Safe Space
Both Knackpunkt27 and Serve the City share a commitment to creating spaces exclusively for women. These safe havens are critical for homeless women, who often face harassment and violence in mixed-gender environments. “We make it clear: this space is for women only. Even if men knock, we turn them away,” Sara explained. This approach allows women to relax, feel secure, and begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
Like Serve the City, Knackpunkt27 relies heavily on community support. Volunteers play a vital role, whether by donating essentials, organizing projects like renovations, or simply being present. In Paris, the response from volunteers and women served by the soup kitchen has been overwhelmingly positive.
While there are no immediate plans for further joint projects, the partnership between Serve the City and Knackpunkt27 remains strong. As we continue our efforts in Paris, we’re grateful for the valuable guidance and shared commitment of our partners in Düsseldorf.
