30 years of integration house: an anniversary full of hope and music!

30 years of integration house: an anniversary full of hope and music!

in Vienna enables the Integrationhaus since 1995 refugees and not only offers accommodation, but also a variety of support offers. The ambitious project was able to report numerous stories and successes over the three decades. One of the first residents, ðaneta Memišević, fled with her three children from Sarajevo and found an important contact point in the integration house.

Memisević came to Vienna in April 1994, where she initially received refugee status. After she was housed in various homes, the family found its place in the integration house in Engerthstrasse in June 1995. Here she experienced the necessary privacy and received support for official matters in her own language. She has significantly brought these important aspects into her later commitment.

from necessity to success story

As a trained elementary school teacher, Memišević soon took over afternoon care in the integration house. She took the opportunity to learn German and sign language intensively, and was not only able to gain a foothold in her new home country, but also pull her own apartment in 1997 and find a job at a deaf club. Today it is also a member of the board of the integration house and is committed to ensuring that other people also get a chance in similar situations.

The integration house itself has developed into an important place for refugees in the past 30 years. It offers a total of 40 residential units that offer space for around 110 people. A committed team of 160 employees and over 50 volunteers ensure the extensive support that is provided here. In addition to accommodation and meals, the facility also takes care of psychosocial support, advice and various educational projects.

celebrations for the anniversary

In 2023, the integration house celebrates its 30th anniversary. With a festive open-air concert on June 25th in the arena, the anniversary is duly committed. The artists who will appear include Ernst Molden, Tini Kainrath and Christoph Seiler. With ticket prices from 49.50 euros, this event is likely to be a highlight for visitors and the entire community.

The comprehensive offers of the integration house are not only important for the residents, but also for the entire society of Vienna. It makes an important contribution to integration and understanding in coexistence in different cultures. Psychosocial support for refugees is an essential component and prospects to create in the future.

The integration house is still a place where people can find support in difficult life situations and build trust in themselves again. With stories such as that of ðaneta memišević, hopes will wake up that everyone can succeed if you get the right opportunities.