Cologne's Antoniter: Social housing for seniors and the homeless!

Cologne's Antoniter: Social housing for seniors and the homeless!

In Cologne, Antonitersiedlungsgesellschaft mbH (ASG) is an important player in the housing industry. For over 70 years, ASG has been providing a colorful mix of living space and social projects. Guido Stephan, the managing director of ASG, has been at the helm of the company for 28 years and has gained a lot of experience in the real estate industry during this time. In the current eid podcast “Among Neighbors” he talks about the central challenges and responsibilities of the Protestant housing industry, such as kirche-koeln.de reported.

In an environment where living space is scarce, the task of the ASG remains relevant. With around 1,700 apartments, including more than 700 barrier-free senior apartments, it not only offers space but also social integration for older people. These forms of living promote a community that is considered particularly important - especially for people aged 60 and over. Guido Stephan emphasizes the balance between economic activity and social responsibility, a point that is essential in the current situation of the housing market.

Social projects in focus

However, ASG's commitment goes beyond simply providing housing. The company offers diversity in social management, including dementia shared apartments and residential groups for people with disabilities. A central concern is the creation of living arrangements that enable a self-determined life. The ASG has created four dementia living communities. Here, the focus is on community and support, and relatives are actively involved in the care of the patients.

The Evangelical Home Foundation, which offers outpatient residential communities, pursues a similar concept. These are designed for eight to twelve people and are a great alternative to living in a nursing home. Residents experience an everyday life that is based on their personal lifestyle and thus conveys security and security. How ev-heimstiftung.de reported, relatives and volunteers are actively involved in the community, which benefits the residents and promotes social cohesion.

A look into history

However, the roots of social institutions in the region go back a long way. The Clus, for example, has a history of over 500 years, originally founded as a nunnery and later converted into a “poor and old people’s home”. More information about the development of this institution and its role today is provided dachstiftung-diakonie.de. Today the old people's and nursing home is home to 122 people and values ​​close connections to the city and the local church community.

In summary, we can say that the Antoniter Settlement Society and the Evangelical Home Foundation are important pillars of residential and nursing care in Cologne. Their commitment shows that social responsibility is very important even in challenging times. This is not only a necessity, but also a contribution to the whole of urban life, where community and support are essential.