A former law student from Copenhagen left his studies behind to help the city’s homeless survive the freezing Danish winter by distributing warm clothes, food, and conversation through his nonprofit “Hjælp Din Næste.”
Leaving law to change lives
In the icy streets of Copenhagen, 28-year-old Alfred Jørgensen pedals his cargo bike through snow and cold air. The bike is packed with sleeping bags, winter jackets, gloves, scarves, and thermoses of hot coffee. Instead of finishing law school, he now spends his days supporting people who have nowhere else to go.
Several winters ago, Alfred saw a homeless woman standing on Istedgade wearing only shorts, shouting out of frustration because she had no warm clothes and nowhere to sleep. That moment reinforced his mission to do something concrete for those living on the streets of Denmark.
From pandemic act to full-time mission
Jørgensen co-founded “Hjælp Din Næste” (“Help Your Neighbor”), a volunteer-based organization created to assist homeless and socially vulnerable people across Denmark. The idea was born during the pandemic when he saw a homeless man pick up a discarded face mask from a trash can just to be allowed on a bus. Shocked by what he witnessed, Alfred decided to act.
What began as a few friends handing out protective masks quickly grew into a full-scale organization with volunteers, donations, and nationwide activity. Even as shelters fill up across the country, Hjælp Din Næste continues its work from the streets by handing out warm drinks, pizzas, and winter supplies.
Interestingly, while Denmark is often seen as a good place to live, especially for its strong social welfare system, homelessness remains a visible and unsolved challenge. According to VIVE, Denmark’s National Research and Analysis Center for Welfare, 5,989 people experienced homelessness in 2024, a slight increase from 2022.
Following his calling
Raised in the Copenhagen neighborhood of Nørrebro, Alfred grew up seeing homelessness up close. Talking to people living on the streets, he learned early on how fragile life can be for those caught outside the safety net. Not long after starting his project, he made the difficult decision to drop out of law school to dedicate himself fully to the cause.
Some of his family questioned the move, but he describes his work now as a “dream come true.” Every morning, he says, he feels grateful for being able to make a difference, no matter how small.
The daily challenge of survival
As temperatures drop, Danish shelters report they are busier than ever. Many must turn people away simply because there is no space left. Volunteers like Alfred meet those left behind, providing food and clothing but often unable to offer the one thing most needed—a bed for the night.
Jørgensen often meets people who have endured Denmark’s coldest nights in years. One man told him the current winter is the hardest he has experienced in a long time. The stories weigh heavily on Alfred, but gratitude from those helped keeps him going. When he gave the woman on Istedgade a winter jacket, ski pants, and a warm drink, her simple, heartfelt “thank you” meant more than words could express.
Running out of supplies
Right now, Hjælp Din Næste faces shortages of basic winter gear, especially sleeping bags. The organization accepts donations both at its office and directly through volunteers on the streets. They also welcome new participants, as there are always too few hands for the amount of work to be done.
Several other Danish charities are also stepping up during the harsh winter months. Groups like Foreningen Hellebro, Projekt Udenfor, and Blå Kors Denmark are collecting gloves, hats, socks, sleeping bags, and jackets. Volunteering with these organizations has become a meaningful way for many Danes and foreigners to contribute to their communities. For anyone considering joining, The Danish Dream offers insights into volunteering in Denmark.
Continuing the effort
Even with long nights and freezing air, Jørgensen’s commitment has never faded. He believes the resilience and gratitude of the people he meets prove that human kindness still matters deeply. The work is demanding, but to him, helping others in need has become the perfect expression of what it means to live a meaningful life in Denmark.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Is Denmark a good place to live?
The Danish Dream: Best charities and volunteering in Denmark for foreigners
TV2: Han droppede ud af jurastudiet for at hjælpe hjemløse
