The corresponding memorandum of understanding was signed on February 27 by GWW Supervisory Board Chair and Head of Social Affairs Dr. Patricia Becher, together with the Gemeinnützige Bau- und Siedlungsgenossenschaft Wiesbaden 1950 eG (GENO50), GWH Wohnungsgesellschaft Hessen mbH (GWH), Stadtentwicklungsgesellschaft Wiesbaden mbH (SEG), and GWW. In cooperation with the Department of Social Affairs and other social service providers, the housing associations analyzed the needs and developed a model optimized for Wiesbaden—with the goal of responding to demographic trends. The basis for these considerations is the Bielefeld Model—which stands for housing with security of care in the neighborhood and combines the aspects of housing, care, and social infrastructure—without additional costs for providing the care infrastructure. 

GWW is utilizing the existing building at Wolfram-von-Eschenbach-Straße 1A for the implementation and is developing it accordingly. Residents of the local senior living facility have been supported since 2025 by the Robins Care nursing service, which maintains a regular on-site presence, promotes social activities, and provides care counseling in daily life. Further partnerships are in the works. The goal is to enable people to live as independently as possible in their homes and neighborhoods for as long as possible—even when they require support and care. 

The program began on April 10 at 3:30 p.m. in the common room at Wolfram-von-Eschenbach-Straße 1A with an opening address by Thomas Keller, the managing director of GWW. “As a housing construction company and landlord, we have been addressing demographic change for a long time. Projects like our internal LuWiA department (Living and Housing in Old Age) show that we are taking responsibility,” explains Thomas Keller. “Their own apartment, their familiar surroundings—yes, living in their own home, which they have grown to love over the years, is something we want to preserve for our residents for as long as possible. I am therefore very pleased that we are able to open the community center today to make exactly that possible,” Keller continues. 

Dr. Patricia Becher, Chair of the Supervisory Board of GWW and Head of Social Affairs, emphasizes: “The opening of GWW’s community center, as well as the work of GENO50, GWH, Nassauische Heimstätte, and SEG, demonstrate that the city of Wiesbaden is proactively responding to demographic change—and it is of the utmost importance that we all—the city, housing companies, and social service providers—pull together. Only then will it be possible to ensure independent living in the long term.” 

Invited guests at the opening included the initiators of the city’s “Treffpunkte aktiv” – meeting places for Wiesbaden’s senior citizens –, employees of the Robins Care nursing service, and those responsible for the E-Lotsen in Wiesbaden, who provide support for independent living, particularly in the digital sphere. Also in attendance were the Johanniter, who regularly offer a lunch service at the community center, as well as the Counseling Center for Independent Living in Old Age and other staff members from the state capital of Wiesbaden who are supporting the #Quartiershaus Dichterviertel project. 

Following the official opening, the Cantanti e.V. choir performed two songs. The choir rehearses regularly on-site in the community room and not only lets the residents listen but also encourages them to sing along. Afterward, the buffet was opened, and the guests got to know the diverse offerings of the new community center. 

“The wide range of community activities, the short and straightforward access, and the close connections with various social services create an environment that provides a sense of security for our tenants,” explains Manuela Meudt, authorized signatory at GWW and head of tenant management. “We’re building community in the neighborhood—because it’s important to us that our older tenants maintain their zest for life and stay active. Being able to live independently for as long as possible—that’s the goal of the community centers,” emphasizes Manuela Meudt. 

For more information on the neighborhood centers: www.wiesbaden.de/leben-in-wiesbaden/gesellschaft-soziales/sozialplanung/quartiershaeuser (opens in a new tab)