KIELER ANKER: Warm place in the rough Kiel wind
„My dream is to create a space where women are empowered not only externally, but also internally.”
The Kieler Anker (Kiel Anchor) is far more than a gathering place and provider of hot meals for those in need. Through their sustainable community kitchen, their engaging social city tours, and dedicated volunteer programs, they offer essential support to all people in Kiel who are struggling with hardship. Gülsah Yurttutan styles the hair of women looking for accommodation in her salon.
Gülsah Yurttutan
Since 2025, Gülsah Yurttutan has been supporting the work of the Kieler Anker by closing her hair salon for a day, and using that day to give women in difficult life situations a new hairstyle free of charge. With this gesture, she is making a valuable contribution to the empowerment of women here in our community. Studies show that beauty treatments such as haircuts can significantly boost self-esteem and overall well-being in people facing hardship. Such initiatives not only promote social integration and help break down stigma, but also offer emotional support and strengthen the sense of togetherness and belonging. In addition, self-care activities reduce stress and enhance mental well-being. Overall, these efforts have a positive impact on the lives of those confronting challenges like homelessness.
Why do you volunteer?
I help out because I believe that every person, regardless of their situation, has the right to self-esteem and care. It is important to me to give women who are in tough circumstances a little of their joy and self-confidence back.
What exactly do you do?
I offer homeless women free haircuts and host a complimentary wellness day at my salon. In addition to haircuts and styling, I also provide relaxation treatments so they can enjoy being pampered.
How does your volunteering affect our society and our interconnectedness?
My volunteering raises awareness of the challenges faced by homeless women. It shows that we can all be there for each other. Through these small gestures of appreciation, we foster a respectful and caring community.
What does your volunteering mean to you personally?
For me, it is deeply meaningful. It fills me with joy to see how happy the women are after a day in my salon. It reminds me how important it is to help others and how much strength there is in community.
What do you wish for the future in relation to Kieler Anker?
I hope that we can reach even more women and that such offerings continue to flourish in our city. My dream is to create a space where women are empowered not only externally, but also internally.
www.kieler-anker.de
© Diakonie Altholstein
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