what we do
Transforming spaces totransform lives
At Sauber Association, we operate on a fundamental principle: that a truly stable future for Europe’s most vulnerable begins with a secure, dignified space. This isn’t just about providing temporary shelter; it’s about leveraging the power of social real estate to create lasting foundations for individuals and communities.
Real estate is at the heart of our mission. Unlike conventional aid organizations, Sauber, expertly managed by Dust Fiduciaire, proactively identifies, acquires, and repurposes unused or underutilized buildings across Europe. This isn’t just a transactional process; it’s a strategic investment in the fabric of society. We believe that by transforming derelict or vacant properties, we are transforming lives, turning overlooked spaces into vibrant centers for community development, empowerment, and genuine opportunity.
Our Strategic Focus: Real Estate Purchase for Lasting Impact
we invest in a diverse portfolio of properties, each chosen for its potential to serve a critical social need
Hotels → converted into temporary housing or women’s shelters: Many former hotels, lying empty or underperforming, offer ready-made structures with individual rooms and amenities. We repurpose these to provide immediate, dignified temporary housing for families displaced by crisis, or as safe, confidential havens for women and children fleeing domestic violence. These conversions quickly provide privacy and security, which are paramount for recovery and stability.
Residential buildings → transformed into co-living and social apartments: Addressing the critical shortage of affordable housing, we acquire residential blocks – from detached homes to multi-unit apartment complexes. These are meticulously renovated to create high-quality, long-term co-living spaces for young professionals and students in need, or structured social apartments for families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness. This provides not just a roof, but a true home that fosters a sense of belonging and continuity.
Warehouses and industrial buildings → adapted as training centers, creative labs, or gyms: These large, open-plan spaces, often remnants of former industrial eras, hold immense potential. We adapt them into dynamic hubs for vocational training, equipping young people and marginalized adults with marketable skills. They can become bustling creative labs for artisans to rekindle their crafts, or even community gyms that promote physical well-being and social interaction, transforming disused industrial zones into engines of opportunity and health.
Former public buildings (e.g., schools, barracks) → reimagined as integrated community hubs: Public buildings that have outlived their original purpose often become neglected eyesores. We breathe new life into them, reimagining them as integrated community hubs. These large, adaptable spaces can house a multitude of services under one roof: afterschool programs, food banks, legal aid clinics, health consultation rooms, and cultural integration centers. They become vital epicenters for social support, fostering cohesion and providing accessible services for entire neighborhoods.
Offices and commercial units → used as support centers, classrooms, or local outreach points: Smaller, strategically located commercial units or empty office spaces can be perfectly repurposed. We convert these into local outreach points for social workers, dedicated classrooms for language lessons or digital literacy training, or specialized support centers for specific vulnerable groups, ensuring services are accessible where they are most needed, often within the very communities they serve.
Crucially, in every one of these transformations, these buildings become active, welcoming spaces — never just shelters, but starting points. We don’t just provide four walls; we provide environments that are conducive to healing, learning, growing, and rebuilding. They are the physical launching pads from which individuals can secure employment, pursue education, build supportive networks, and ultimately, reclaim their dignity and forge a vibrant, independent future. Our social real estate strategy ensures that Sauber Association delivers not just temporary relief, but profound, lasting, and tangible change across Europe.