New Girl's Shared Housing Facility Opens in Graz

After two years of construction, SOS Children’s Villages Austria was able to inaugurate a new home for girls in difficult life situations on September 11, 2026. The shared living facility in Graz South was funded entirely by donations. A big thank you also goes to the supporters and donors from Liechtenstein who made this project possible.“We stand here today feeling truly grateful and overwhelmed,” says Birgitta Thurner, regional director for Styria at SOS Children’s Villages. “Thanks to the incredibly generous and steadfast support of corporate partners and supporters, we’ve been able to create a place where young people facing difficult life situations can grow up in a caring environment.”

A Home with Professional Support

What makes it special: The girls’ shared living space offers more than just a roof over their heads. A professional, dedicated team of social workers and therapists is on site every day. The comprehensive range of therapies is tailored directly to the girls’ psychological and emotional needs. This also includes two four-legged therapists—the therapy dogs Fee and Dino, who enrich their daily lives.The opening ceremony was attended by representatives from politics, business, foundations, schools, and community organizations—a total of 25 organizations that have shaped this project. Every single supporter has played a part in ensuring that this shared living community now provides a safe haven for young girls.