Ebstorf multi-generational house: A place of encounter and diversity!

Ebstorf multi-generational house: A place of encounter and diversity!

Over the past six months, the Ebstorf multi-generational house has developed into a lively meeting place for young and old. A lot has happened after the takeover by the “Potenzialriesen” association in December 2024, after the German Red Cross (DRK) terminated the operating contract. Operations had previously been suspended since July 2024. Maria Kuhnig, the association's chairwoman, now presented a positive track record, which once again received attention in the family committee. As part of a varied program of 29 hours per week, which is reduced to 23 hours during the summer holidays, visitors of all ages come together to exchange experiences and make new contacts.

The multi-generational house functions as a space for learning and growing together, just as the initiators intended. mehrgenerationenhaeuser.de emphasizes that the goal is to promote intergenerational dialogue. Offers such as game afternoons, women's meetings and repair cafés are very well received. Due to the positive response, particularly from children and young people, the number of participants in the open meeting has also stabilized; An average of four to eight visitors come together here.

A colorful program for everyone

The variety of activities in the Ebstorf multi-generational house is remarkable. The events on offer include not only creative workshops, but also social gatherings such as the popular over-50s breakfast, which attracts numerous regular guests. Such offers promote contact between people who have not met before. We are now also working on a reading circle, film screening evenings and foreign language courses - an exciting further development to enrich community life. We are currently looking for a leader for the English course.

These projects also offer a platform for volunteers. Over 20 volunteers are actively involved in the various offers that strengthen coexistence between generations. It is gratifying to see that around 30,000 volunteers in Germany make a valuable contribution in around 530 funded multi-generational houses, as smmr.de notes. These facilities promote exchange, contribute to integration and help avoid social isolation.

Challenges and perspectives

Despite the success, there are challenges. The provisional budget management at the federal level leads to uncertain financial commitments. Currently 25,000 euros have been pledged, while 15,000 euros are still open. In addition, the contract for afternoon care only exists until the 2026 summer holidays, which raises concerns among parents who are demanding a safe continuation and support in finding space. However, Mayor Heiko Senking has promised a timely solution. The association is also looking for space for a second group and is temporarily using a music room at the elementary school. This situation shows how important a solid financial basis is for the continued work of multi-generational houses.

In Ebstorf, the summer time is used to develop new concepts, including two large projects: “My Ebstorf”, which aims to collect stories from the residents, and “Ebstorf 2050”, which creates a vision for the place over the next 25 years. The results of these initiatives will be presented at a council meeting in November. The Ebstorf multi-generational house remains a place for togetherness, exchange and creative ideas - a real gem for all generations.