La Cantina Soup Kitchen in Hamburg-Ottensen Faces Uncertain Future Amid Eviction Notice
Hamburg, January 22 – La Cantina, a vital community kitchen and soup kitchen in Hamburg-Ottensen, is facing an uncertain future as its landlord has issued an eviction notice, requiring them to vacate the premises by the end of June. The facility, which provides daily warm meals to over a hundred people below the poverty line, as well as to homeless individuals, is now searching for new, affordable premises.
The news came as a shock to the approximately 20 long-term unemployed individuals who prepare up to 350 meals daily, also supplying kindergartens and social institutions. Marion Blankenburg, a temporary worker, expressed her dismay: “It was a shock. Everyone was afraid that we wouldn’t be able to go there anymore and would have to look for something else. I am a housewife, a mother, long-term unemployed, and I wanted to do something again in my life.”
Landlord Cites Fire Safety and Structural Issues
Nese Wagner, project manager of the EU-funded community kitchen, stated that the landlord justified the termination by citing fire safety regulations that cannot be met in the building, making continued operation impossible. Specifically, the issues involve a missing escape route to the backyard and structural problems in the basement of the more than 100-year-old building.
Altona District Office Contradicts Landlord’s Claims
In a surprising turn of events, the Altona district office, when questioned by NDR, declared that from the perspective of building regulations and fire safety, there are no obstacles to La Cantina continuing operations in its current premises. They noted that if construction work were to take place in the rear area, fire protection would need to be ensured by an escape route during that time.
The landlord, however, maintains his position, asserting that the overall condition of the property does not allow La Cantina to remain. He claims that a general renovation is necessary, during which the soup kitchen’s operations would be impossible. Despite this, he emphasized that he has never had any problems with La Cantina’s operations.
Nese Wagner reacted to the district office’s statement with surprise: “That’s completely new to me. We might have to talk to the landlord again.”
Search for a New Home in Ottensen
Should the eviction remain unchanged, Nese Wagner and her team now face the difficult task of finding new, affordable premises. She highlighted the challenge, stating, “It’s very difficult because we are very connected to the Ottensen district.” The team is looking for around 350 square meters of space in Ottensen suitable for a catering business. The landlord has reportedly offered support for the search and transition period.
Broader Context: Housing and Social Support in Hamburg
This situation at La Cantina comes amidst broader discussions in Hamburg regarding housing and social support. Recent studies have shown that rent increases in Hamburg have been less significant than consumer costs, yet the availability of affordable commercial space remains a challenge for social initiatives. Other recent news in Hamburg includes: the Hamburg Winter Emergency Program extending its daytime hours for the homeless due to cold weather, and discussions about the future of the revolving restaurant in the Hamburg TV Tower.
The potential closure of La Cantina would significantly impact a vulnerable population in Hamburg, underscoring the ongoing need for accessible social services and stable operating environments for organizations that provide them.
