Lighthouse Wien provides safe, long-term housing for homeless people with drug addictions, HIV/AIDS, or mental health issues. It supports 60 residents—35 in a renovated six-storey historic building and 25 in apartments across Vienna. The project focuses on health, social stability, and reintegration rather than forcing detox. Residents receive medical care, social support, training, and help managing finances. Pets are allowed, and each resident can personalise their living space to avoid a “shelter” feel.
The renovation used eco-friendly methods, reusing materials, adding insulation, solar systems, water-saving measures, and district heating. Costs were shared between the Lighthouse Foundation, the City of Vienna, the building owner, and loans, while volunteers helped keep expenses low.
Socially, the project helps residents access benefits, reconnect with families, and gradually gain independence. Residents start in shared flats and can move to their own apartments once stable. Local resistance initially led to legal challenges, but over time, neighbours accepted the project. Careful money management and daily support reduced overdoses and improved health, including curing cases of hepatitis C.
Financially, Lighthouse is supported by social services, donations, and partnerships with organizations like the Rotary Club and local banks. The project proves that stable, attractive housing combined with flexible, respectful support can transform lives, reduce crime, and promote health.
Lessons learned include focusing on the most vulnerable first, giving as much independence as possible, and creating a beautiful, safe environment to encourage stability. Internal evaluations show longer life expectancy, better health, and some residents successfully moving to independent living.
Lighthouse began with three residents in 2000 and now serves 60, with plans to expand and inspire similar projects, including housing for HIV-positive homeless children in Kiev. It demonstrates that empathy, structure, and community integration can break the cycle of homelessness.
