When Young People Have Nowhere to Go: For 25 Years, “upstairs” Has Been Providing Help in the Heart of Wiesbaden
For 25 years, the donation-funded EVIM program “upstairs” has been providing young people in acute emergencies with quick and unbureaucratic help. EVIM will celebrate this anniversary on Friday, August 28, 2026, with a public event at the Reisinger Anlagen—the very spot where the distinctive, colorful “upstairs” RV serves as a drop-in center. Wiesbaden’s Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende has confirmed his attendance as the guest of honor.
What began as a project in 2001 is now, for many young people, often the first step out of homelessness, a lack of prospects, or family crises. The services range from providing initial supplies of food, clothing, and hygiene items to offering counseling and support, as well as arranging overnight accommodations and helping with access to government agencies or medical care.
Figures from 2025 illustrate the scale of the need: 128 newly admitted young people, approximately 3,900 support services provided, and 2,249 overnight stays arranged or facilitated. At the same time, a lack of affordable housing and rising living costs make it difficult for many of those affected to return to an independent life.
Part of the event is an exhibition created in collaboration with the young people receiving support. In it, they share stories about their daily lives, the challenges they face, and the significance of “upstairs” for their future paths. The program is complemented by a panel discussion on the situation of young people in need, featuring representatives from the city, former clients, and upstairs staff from EVIM Youth Welfare Services.
Program
12:45 p.m. Musical opening
1:00 p.m. Welcome, speeches, and opening of the exhibition
1:20 p.m. Music, coffee, and cake; opportunity for conversation
1:40 p.m. Panel discussion
2:15 p.m. Musical closing, followed by networking, conversations, and a tour
of the exhibition. The event ends around 4:00 p.m.
We look forward to welcoming many visitors, partners, staff members, alumni, as well as donors and supporters of our work at upstairs. Upstairs is 100% funded by donations. Would you like to support the work of upstairs? Donate now!
Donation account:
Bank für Sozialwirtschaft
IBAN: DE02 3702 0500 0004 6010 00
BIC: BFSWDE33XXX