Social action and solidarity are even more important in our society in times of crisis. As every year, BUWOG will use its Christmas donation in 2022 to support organisations that have made it their mission to help people in need. “As a leading full-service provider on the Austrian residential property market, it is part of our DNA to assume social responsibility. 2022 was not an easy year due to a variety of in part difficult circumstances as well as crises. The coronavirus, the war in Ukraine, inflation, a wave of price increases and overall uncertainty have characterised the past months. We are therefore called upon more than ever to stand by those affected by poverty and exclusion,” says Kevin Töpfer, managing director of BUWOG Group GmbH.

Three charitable organisations that work tirelessly in the service of the general public were honoured this year: Wiener Tafel, which rescues edible food and other everyday goods from rubbish and uses it to supply poverty-stricken people in social institutions; neunerimmo, which gives socially disadvantaged and homeless people a home; and Volkshilfe Carinthia’s Women’s Emergency Shelter, which provides women with a safe place to sleep in times of crisis.

Food supplies for the needy

“Give it away, don’t throw it away”: BUWOG is also very pleased to support this idea during the 2022 Christmas season and is providing EUR 20,000 in relief to poverty-stricken people and the environment in equal measure. Together with more than 280 volunteers, Wiener Tafel, a social and environmental organisation financed by donations, has been rescuing food still fit for consumption from rubbish since 1999. Last year nearly 750 tonnes of food were rescued and more than 20,000 people in poverty were provided for.

“The year 2022, with its circumstances and crises, has further aggravated the situation of people affected by poverty. This has led to many new groups of individuals being threatened by poverty. Therefore, the need for food relief among the population has naturally increased. Our aim is to provide sufficient support to everyone who relies on our help, particularly in these challenging times, and we are therefore extremely grateful for BUWOG's donation, which will help further expand the necessary aid supplies to poverty-stricken people,” says Alexandra Gruber, managing director of Wiener Tafel.

“At home again” – affordable housing for poverty-stricken people

neunerimmo supports the homeless in their search for a home and helps end homelessness in a sustainable way. Since 2017, neunerimmo has acted as a bridge between social organisations and the real estate industry. In order to give people affected by poverty a roof over their heads again, the non-profit subsidiary of neunerhaus acquires and brokers affordable housing and rents apartments from developers as well as from a growing number of private individuals. neunerimmo also offers social housing management and, together with neunerhaus and other social organisations, comprehensive social work that supports tenants upon arrival and as they live there. This secures sustainable housing and ensures long-term, permanent housing. BUWOG is very pleased to support an organisation whose commitment has so far helped over 1,000 people find a home again, 430 of them children.

Daniela Unterholzner, managing director of neunerimmo, expresses her delight about the donation:

“Thanks to the generous support of BUWOG, we are able to acquire additional affordable housing for the homeless and precariously housed and make it possible for them to arrive in their own homes. THANK YOU!”

Relief for women in need

With the Women’s Emergency Shelter, Volkshilfe Carinthia offers quick and unbureaucratic help for women who are acutely affected by homelessness. Not only does it offer free accommodation, but also initial care, clearing, crisis intervention and referral to suitable care facilities and forms of housing.

With a donation of EUR 10,000, BUWOG is making it possible to expand the services of the shelter, which is an important contact point for women in crisis situations.

“Our task is to help women and their children who are unexpectedly affected by homelessness. Without the pressure of suddenly having no place to sleep with their children, the women can regain strength and courage to cope with their new life situation through professional help. We would like to thank BUWOG for its generous donation,” says Alina Filip, director of Volkshilfe Carinthia’s Women’s Emergency Shelter.