PÖDELWITZ stays! The first step towards an inclusive village revitalization

# THE QUESTION
How can we revitalize a village in a climate-friendly, inclusive, and solidary way, which was originally meant to be destroyed for coal mining and is now 80% owned by the mining company MIBRAG, or its parent corporation EPH? How can we prevent speculation on the crumbling houses and decisions being made over the heads of the village residents?

# THE OPPORTUNITY
After a decade of hard voluntary work, we have reached a huge milestone, and our dream of a flagship project can now become a reality. We were able to purchase a roughly one-hectare property from a neighbor in the village, and we now aim to build a complex of buildings that embody several of our core visions. 

# THE IDEA
The NGO "Pödelwitz has a Future" wants to secure the property so that it can be used long-term and independently of individuals for socio-ecological projects that enable inclusive living and working. Here, we plan to gradually build the “Vielseithof” (multifaceted court) – a space for inclusive living and inclusive businesses such as a solidarity-based agriculture, a canteen, and an ecological construction business. It will also allow us to expand current activities: seminar rooms will enable cultural and educational events, e.g., workshops on ecological building or permaculture in solidarity-based agriculture. Additionally, we want to foster networking and welcome other initiatives, offering support if needed.

# THE NEED
The idea of an inclusive living project stems from an immediate need within the small community still living in the village. At the same time, people with support needs – whether due to age or disabilities – and their families in the Leipzig rural area are desperately seeking care and a place that offers both assistance and self-determined involvement in decision-making structures and community life. Such an involvement and inclusion contrasts the socially segregated structures of typical residential and workplace facilities for people with disabilites.

# THE IMPORTANCE OF DONATIONS
Each donation eases the financial burden on every member of our NGO and reduces the direct economic pressure after the land purchase. This will lay the foundation for the project to become a place where housing is less dependent on rental contributions, the construction business can operate in a solidary manner, and the solidarity-based agriculture can operate need-oriented.

# THE PLAN
It is highly likely that we will be able to build the planned structures, but we are still waiting the formal confirmation as our building application is still being processed. The immediate goal is to secure the property with its existing buildings and then, in collaboration with established foundations and sponsors, build the "Vielseithof."

# INFORMATION
For more information and videos visit: www.poedelwitz.de/vielseithof.