In 1999, the wbg Supervisory Board under its then Chairman, Lord Mayor Ludwig Scholz, was inspired to launch a "shared housing" project during a study trip to Stockholm. A group of seven women came to wbg in 2000 as a result of a report published in the daily newspapers about this trip and presented their ideas for a housing project. They wanted to look after each other and do things together, but still live alone and for themselves. A large garden, a central location and suitable infrastructure were important to the women.
The project was given the working title "Self-determined living in old age". Together with wbg, various existing properties were inspected before the two houses at Chemnitzer Strasse 2-4 in the Nordostbahnhof residential complex were chosen. At that time, the "Socially Integrative City" activities in the neighbourhood had just started, so this project was seen as a good addition. In 2002, with the support of the newly elected Chairman of the wbg Supervisory Board, Lord Mayor Dr Ulrich Maly, an application for funding was submitted to the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.
175,000 EURO FUNDING
A detailed examination of the concept on site revealed that the project was categorised as forward-looking and exemplary by the Ministry and was funded with a sum of 175,000 euros. The then Federal Minister Renate Schmidt visited the project several times during her time in office.Following the barrier-free conversion of the property, the group, which had to expand to 11 people, was able to move in at the turn of the year 2003/2004.After moving in, the group gave itself the name "Olga-Oldies leben gemeinsam aktiv" (Olga oldies live actively together), under which the housing project became known far beyond the borders of Germany.There is no print medium that deals with the demographic change in society and has not reported on the project.Numerous theses, reports, photo series and television reports have also been produced about the Olgas.
In the meantime, there have been five changes of residents, unfortunately twice due to the death of a flatmate. The other women moved out for personal reasons that had nothing to do with the project. The original concept is still valid: the group takes care of daily tasks when a resident is ill, provides transport and shopping services, looks after the household and, of course, provides the human touch that is often lacking today. This has also shortened hospital stays and often reduced costs for the funding organisations.The project was scientifically monitored for the first few years.
VERY SATISFIED OLGAS
After 15 years, everyone involved agreed that an in-depth scientific survey could be carried out to find out whether the residents still felt comfortable or would like to see changes. "The survey at the time revealed that the Olgas are still very satisfied with their way of life and that the concept has proved its worth. Everyone agrees that they would move in again if they had to make the decision again," explained sociologist Ulla Krämer from the PlanPlus research institute at the time.
This realisation is still valid today. "From our point of view, the Olga residential project is a great success.It offers the residents a sense of security and a home.Thanks to its pioneering role, it has provided impetus for the establishment of new shared housing projects in many places far beyond the Nuremberg metropolitan region.The ladies are also committed to the neighbourhood and the people who live here in a variety of ways, which we are also very pleased about," said wbg Managing Director Ralf Schekira at the small 20th anniversary celebration.
