Lease Termination: "Moabit Assistance" Departs, Maintains Operations
Berlin-Based Non-Profit Forced to Vacate Long-Standing Premises
"Moabit hilft e.V.", a non-governmental organization in Berlin, is facing a challenging predicament after being unable to secure a long-term rental agreement for their functional building on the former clinic grounds at Turmstraße in Moabit. Despite an offer from BIM Berliner Immobilienmanagement GmbH made approximately two weeks ago, the association decided against accepting the terms and vacated the property by June 15.
Since 2018, the organization has been utilizing the building to aid refugees and socially disadvantaged individuals. According to Diana Henniges, one of the full-time employees and founder of the association, BIM showed openness in recent weeks, but discussions had never been held on equal footing before. Although the offer included favorable rental conditions, the association deemed the offer insufficient and felt it would compromise their independence.
The organization would have been required to pay approximately €1,200 per month for operating costs. Earlier this year, it was revealed that BIM had terminated the rental agreement by the end of May, a move that attracted severe criticism from the opposition. However, the relationship between BIM and "Moabit hilft e.V." had already been strained, with the rental agreement only being extended on a short-term basis and tacitly in the past.
While the association will continue its work, the loss of a physical location presents a significant setback. Henniges emphasizes the importance of having a self-managed safe space for refugees, and the organization is already working towards securing alternative premises. Nevertheless, the association may opt to rent from the private sector instead of the city, should a decision be made at their upcoming general meeting.
Elif Eralp, the spokesperson for migration of the Left faction in the House of Representatives, expressed concern over the Senate's role in the situation, stating that the Senate's reaction was much too late and that they had only recently made offers through BIM, despite being informed of the issue last summer.
Without a permanent location, "Moabit hilft e.V." remains resilient, continuing its social and asylum counseling, outreach work in accommodations, and political lobbying in district assemblies and the House of Representatives. Although the organization may be forced to decentralize its operations, their commitment to the cause remains unwavering.
"Moabit hilft e.V." is pursuing health-and-wellness initiatives for socially disadvantaged individuals by continuing their work in science-based counseling and support services, even after vacating their former premises. The organization is currently seeking a new location, aiming to maintain a self-managed safe space for their science-driven health-and-wellness programs.
