Berlin's housing company degewo is expanding its tenant support services through its subsidiary SOPHIA. The offering includes emergency call services, housing adaptations, senior living, neighborhood gathering places, as well as support during elevator failures and financial difficulties. Many services are aimed at older or support-dependent people, while others are available to all degewo tenants.
The service spectrum is divided into three areas: daily assistance, independent living, and neighborhood offerings. In daily life, SOPHIA assists with short-term problems such as elevator failures – the shopping service, medication pickup, waste disposal, or the organization of aids are handled by full-time and volunteer staff. Additionally, the company offers social and tenant debt counseling as well as mediation in neighborhood conflicts. During modernization work, SOPHIA acts as a contact person and provides transparent information.
For independent living, senior residential facilities and senior residences with on-site services are available. Housing adaptation includes planning barrier-free or low-barrier solutions, support with applications, and accompanying implementation. The emergency call service ensures 24-hour safety with personal care and referral to further assistance. Additionally, SOPHIA offers nursing and care planning advice on care levels, living wills, power of attorney, and severely disabled status certificates.
Neighborhood gathering places create meeting spaces in the districts and offer events and joint activities. An example is the Emmi neighborhood gathering place on Emmichstraße in Lankwitz, led by Stephanie Peker. Event rooms for celebrations and events are available to degewo tenants at reduced rates.
CEO Melanie Rosliwek-Hollering emphasizes that people are at the center: SOPHIA takes time, listens, and works together with tenants to find the right solution. The goal is to support people in living as independently, safely, and well-supported in their homes for as long as possible.
Tenants who have questions about the services or wish to use a service can contact SOPHIA at the phone number 030 930 308 70 or by email at [email protected].
The offering demonstrates how housing companies assume social responsibility beyond mere property rental. Demographic change is placing the housing industry with the task of enabling older tenants to remain in their familiar surroundings as long as possible. Through the interconnection of structural measures and social services, models are created that offer tenants security and participation. SOPHIA acts as a link between housing companies and tenants and promotes social infrastructure in the district.
