The Monikahaus family center in Frankfurt’s Gallusviertel is struggling with financial difficulties and is demanding support for renovations in order to secure the educational work and building structure.
The Monikahaus family center in Frankfurt’s Gallusviertel is currently struggling with financial difficulties. The renovation of the building on Kriegkstrasse is becoming increasingly urgent. The investment backlog is threatening not only the building structure but also the educational work. The Monikahaus, which is run by the Social Service of Catholic Women (SkF), is now calling for increased cooperation between politics, the church, business and civil society in order to secure the urgently needed investments in the infrastructure of social institutions.
“Our buildings are getting old and the costs for urgently needed repairs and renovations are constantly rising,” explains Heike Sienel, the center’s managing director. The facility looks after 27 young people in residential groups to help them lead independent lives. In order to maintain this and to offer the young people a safe and secure home, the pipes and the dilapidated windows would have to be replaced. The same applies to the floor and the furniture.
Broad support required: Monikahaus Frankfurt needs help from all areas
The Limburg diocese has supported the family center in the past, but the funds to cover the entire renovation needs were not sufficient. In addition to church support, the Monikahaus also relies on private donations and help from companies. Help often comes from volunteers. The more complex the renovation projects become, the more expensive they become. “Without additional funding, such projects are hardly feasible,” says Sienel.
Social institutions such as the Monikahaus play a central role in society and offer young people and children with difficult starting conditions a place to reach their potential, the institution explains. In addition to asking for financial help from the city and politicians, the civilian population is also called upon to volunteer, even for small things such as repairs.
