Berlin's new care credit housing project opens doors for mental health support
A new residential building in Berlin's Weißensee district will welcome its first tenants in March. Designed for people with mental health conditions, the care credit project offers 24 subsidised apartments with supervised support. The development marks another step in the city's efforts to tackle housing shortages while providing specialised care.
The site was once a former prison, purchased by ZeitRaum gGmbH in 2011. Nonprofit organisation LA VIDA gGmbH later led the project management, completing the building to the Efficiency House 55 energy standard. Built entirely in timber, it uses heat pumps and PVT modules for sustainable heating and is fully barrier-free.
Each apartment measures around 30 square metres, featuring a private bathroom and a small kitchen. Funding was secured in 2024, including a €2.8 million low-interest loan from Investitionsbank Berlin. The care credit project aligns with Berlin's broader strategy to expand social housing, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Since 2020, the city has completed at least five similar initiatives, such as the Wohnen mit Betreuung schemes in Neukölln and Wedding. Another eight projects are currently in planning or under construction, backed by the Senate Department for Urban Development. Tenants here will benefit from supervised living programmes tailored to their needs.
The Weißensee development adds to Berlin's growing network of supported housing. With energy-efficient design and specialised care, it provides a stable home for residents with mental health challenges. The care credit project also reflects ongoing efforts to combine social housing solutions with sustainable construction practices.
