Sozialstadtplan Bremen

Challenge

Around 600 people in Bremen live on the streets and one in five Bremen residents lives below the poverty line. Numerous aid services exist, but they are hard to find for those who need them. The original Sozialstadtplan only existed as a printed brochure — difficult to keep up to date and of limited use to people without a fixed address or stable data plan. The brief: a digital solution that works without reliable internet, on older devices, and in more than one language.

Solution

appfarms built the Sozialstadtplan as a Progressive Web App — installable like a native app, with a service worker for offline use and a lightweight map engine that runs smoothly on older hardware. A proximity search surfaces aid services within walking distance, an English version lowers the language barrier for refugees and tourists in need. An editorial CMS lets the Diakonie team manage services, opening hours and seasonal closures (such as public holidays) on their own — no developer involvement required.

Outcome

The digital Sozialstadtplan launched at the end of 2024 alongside a communications campaign. Across providers and denominations, it lists more than 100 aid services — from soup kitchens and emergency shelters to medical care. Social workers also use it as a daily tool. The print version remains in place and is fed from the same CMS. appfarms delivered parts of the project pro bono — as a contribution to a more social Bremen.