Diaconal center inaugurated in Offenbach
Diakonie Center 'Gerber 15' Opens in Offenbach's Mathildenviertel
The Diakonie center 'Gerber 15' has officially opened its doors in Offenbach's Mathildenviertel, providing a much-needed resource for homeless women who are particularly vulnerable and exposed to violence.
The new building, which occupies 2,000 square meters of usable space, was constructed on the site of the former house at Gerberstraße 15. The construction costs amounted to around eight million euros, a significant investment in the fight against homelessness.
The owner of the new Diakonie Center is the Stadtwerke Offenbach GBO Gemeinnützige Baugesellschaft mbH Offenbach. The city of Offenbach supported the project with a zero-interest loan, demonstrating its commitment to addressing homelessness in the community.
The center offers 24 apartments with private bathrooms and kitchenettes, as well as 11 clearing beds. The residents are gradually moving into the apartments, and the staff of the Diakonie center have also moved back from temporary quarters to the new building.
In addition to housing, the center includes a tea room, a clothing store, counseling services, and supported living. The tea room on the ground floor provides drinks at cost price, internet-enabled PCs, showers, washing machines, and pastries from the day before. The clothing store caters to people with low income.
The new building is designed to be barrier-free, catering to homeless people with health problems. The housing offer in the center is funded by the Hessian Welfare Association (LWV).
Pastor Markus Eisele of Diakonie emphasized that projects like this take decisive action against homelessness. He expressed his hope that the Diakonie center 'Gerber 15' will make a positive impact in the lives of those who need it most.
Oliver Wiegand, the owner of the building where the center is located, also expressed his support for the project. He noted that it is important for the community to come together to address issues like homelessness and provide support to those in need.
With the opening of the Diakonie center 'Gerber 15', Offenbach continues to demonstrate its commitment to addressing homelessness and providing resources for those in need. The center is a testament to the power of community support and the difference that can be made when people come together to make a positive impact.
