The project
Following our successful project at Haus Rosalie 2025, we are now turning our attention to the VinziLife facility in Graz – a safe haven for women experiencing mental health issues and homelessness. Since its founding in 2005, VinziLife has offered long-term housing and support, regardless of whether residents are taking medication or undergoing therapy. VinziLife is more than just a home: the women receive personal support, guidance, and assistance in accessing social services, as well as opportunities for artistic expression and work in the green spaces, which enriches their lives. The team consists of two full-time employees, supported by volunteers. These volunteers serve as contact persons for the women and actively contribute to the maintenance of the house and garden.
Renovations are currently underway, both large-scale and small-scale – and that's where you come in! In addition to the construction work, this project offers the opportunity to delve into social issues and gain valuable insights into the lives of women in difficult situations. It also highlights the important role the Vinzi Association plays in social work in Austria. As with all our projects, but especially this one, respectful, attentive, and discreet treatment of the residents is paramount. We work together to create spaces that offer safety, support, and a good quality of life – and we would love for you to be part of this project and actively contribute to its development.
Volunteer work
Together, we want to enhance VinziLife and make it a more pleasant place to live. Your tasks will include painting and flooring, designing a creative and relaxing space, and building a new visitor area in the garden.
Accommodation
You will be accommodated within walking distance to the project site. All meals are provided on site. Also vegetarian/vegan meals are possible by arrangement. Available are: beds or matrasses, sanitary facilities, a washing machine andf WiFi. Volunteers are requested to bring: work clothing, work shoes, work gloves, rain jacket, tools (if you have them), sheets, sleeping bag, towel and swimwear.
Leisure
The project is located very close to the main railway station in Graz. There are museums, parks, coffees, all kind of restaurants within walking distance, there is also a bus stop right in front of Haus Rosalie. There is a very good public transportation system, besides the historical and cultural sightseeing attractions you can hike, swim and enjoy nature.
Travel
Volunteers are requested to travel to Graz themselves. There are 2 options to get here. Option 1: Travel to Vienna by train and take the Flixbus (cheap) to Graz train station. This takes approximately 2.5 hours. Option 2: Book a flight to the airport in Graz. All volunteers are picked up in Graz.
You arrange the travel to your project yourself. IBO asks all volunteers to travel in the most sustainable way possible, so preferably by train or bus. What you at least can do, is compensate your CO2 emissions. You can find more information about this on the website of Milieu Centraal. You can also compensate your emissions via IBO, by donating to our partner’s tree planting project in Uganda. You can read more about that here.
Preparation
IBO offers a good preparation for your volunteering work abroad.You will receive a digital information package and an invitation to a preparation meeting. Read more about the proces from departure until return.
Costs
For this project you pay €50 registration fee and €189 participation fee. If you become an IBO-supporter, you don't have to pay the registration fee.
This includes accommodation and meals, local transport, an information pack and (online) preparation meeting. Excluding travel, insurance and any outings.
Register
Go to register to enroll in this project.