Save the youth hostel: residents fight against the sale of Caritas!

Save the youth hostel: residents fight against the sale of Caritas!

The planned sale of a youth hostel is causing a stir in Maxvorstadt. Caritas intends to sell the building at the intersection of Zieblandstrasse and Augustenstrasse, which serves as living space for 127 young people between the ages of 18 and 27, and then rent it as part of a sale-and-leaseback process. That's what she reported South German newspaper. Saint Francis, who adorns the facade of the building in need of renovation, could soon be a thing of the past as a Finnish figure.

The youth hostel supports trainees, students and those doing federal voluntary service and offers more than just a roof over their heads. The residents fear that the change in ownership will not ensure its use as a youth hostel. This was also done by the tz taken up, which highlights residents' concerns about maintaining their accommodation. In April, residents were informed of the planned sale, which raised numerous question marks.

The history of the dormitory

The youth hostel has existed since 1954 and, over its long history, has developed into an important source of support for young people in education and work. Housing support is intended to make the transition from school to working life easier. Caritas alone offers over 5,500 places in Bavaria to cover the housing needs of young adults, according to the Caritas Bavaria.

Promoting social contacts and exchanging ideas with like-minded people are central aspects of this offer. This system is particularly important for young people who have to leave their families for various reasons. However, the planned changes resulting from the sale bring uncertainty. Now the residents have organized themselves to fight against the possible loss of their dormitory.

Strong together against uncertainty

Some residents were already hanging white sheets with the words “Save the Dorm” written on them from their windows to draw attention to their concerns. However, these actions were quickly removed. They receive support from Johannes Sonner, the former manager of the dormitory, who addresses Caritas' financial difficulties and supports the residents' initiative.

Political support for residents' concerns is also available. All factions of the Maxvorstadt district committee, with the exception of the AfD, are committed to preserving the dormitory and called for a round table to look for solutions together with Caritas. BA boss Svenja Jarchow expressed concerns about the uncertainties of the sales process and criticized the fact that Caritas may be trying to maximize profits at the expense of young people. Simone Burger from the SPD parliamentary group continues to support the demand for permanent security of the youth hostel and the exchange with city departments.

Caritas itself did not confirm the statements about the planned rental period of at least three years and instead referred to its social responsibility. The extent to which this guarantees the long-term preservation of the dormitory remains uncertain, and concerns about the future of the dormitory are far from being allayed. The discussion about this important topic will now be followed with great excitement.