FUNDING A SAFE SPACE

For over 40 years, the Franciscan Sisters of the Monastery of Oberzell have been offering shelter to women in need at the Antonia Werr house in Sanderau, Würzburg.

Impact financing from HypoVereinsbank’s Social Impact Banking will help to align the building with the latest construction standards and support the Sisters in providing modern social support services to women in difficult situations in life. The services will be expanded to include new housing offers for mothers with children and for women with disabilities, as well as seven new general living spaces for women in need.

“Impact Financing allows us to promote social projects across welfare, health, education, and diversity and inclusion that can create a positive impact in society,” said Michael Diederich, HypoVereinsbank Management Board Spokesman. “The Antonia Werr house has been a light in the dark for many women in crisis – a place for refuge with qualified social workers helping them find their way back to an independent life. We are very happy to support the Sisters’ continued commitment to helping girls and women who are disadvantaged or facing difficult life situations.”

“Especially now that the Covid-19 crisis has significantly worsened the situation for homeless people, it is important that we improve our housing facilities as well as strengthen the support we offer to women in need,” says Sister Katharina Ganz, Superior General of the Franciscan Sisters in Oberzell.

The Antonia Werr house offers a range of services, including sleep-in facilities for homeless women, short-term stays, socio-therapeutic flatshares, and assisted living. Temporary housing and assistance for women with special needs is also on offer. The women benefitting from these services are often homeless, have had to face physical and psychological violence or are struggling to find their way back into society after serving time in prison. The Antonia Werr house has qualified social workers to help guide these women.