Sigrid’s Garden started 15 years ago in a small building in the De Meerstede neighborhood building in Emmermeer. After two years, the company moved to the current building. The organization rents the building at a special rate from the Lefier housing association. According to Visser, the building could use a major renovation. “But I don’t think Lefier really knows what to do with the building. Do they still want to invest?”
For the organization itself, which consists of approximately 20 volunteers, it is clear and ready. In the eyes of Visser and Mout, a new location is the best solution. Visser: “We are constantly encountering limitations here.” That is why we have been looking for a new home for some time now. But it’s not that easy. Mout: “We depend on donations and that’s it. We receive no further subsidies.”
Visser: “We have tried to arrange something with the municipality. For gas, water and electricity, for example. Those costs weigh quite heavily on us. But in principle no compensation is given for this.”
Attempts to find a property on your own have so far failed. An easily accessible, more spacious building, preferably for a reasonable amount: it is not easy. “We have already approached the corporations Lefier, Domesta, real estate agents and the municipality itself. But so far this has not led to any results.” Mout: “It really can’t happen anymore, something really has to be done.” Earlier this year, the foundation reflected on its 15th anniversary. Mayor Eric van Oosterhout, ambassador of Sigrid’s Garden, was then briefly arrested. The cry from the heart has also been placed on him.
Visser: “We are looking for an easily accessible location with sufficient parking, a garden and preferably near the center.” Visser and Mout hope for a quick solution. “You can consider this a cry for help.”
The municipality of Emmen reports that Van Oosterhout contacted Lefier after the anniversary. He requested the corporation to look for possible other locations. He also asked the corporation to sit down with Sigrid’s Garden.
The corporation confirms that they received the signal two weeks ago. “We currently have nothing suitable in our portfolio,” a spokesperson said. If suitable accommodation comes along, a different rental price will apply.
“Agreements have been made in the past. The foundation rents the current building for a friendly price. In the case of another building, a different rate applies. Especially if it concerns a larger location.” In any case, the corporation says it wants to think along and provides support where possible.
As for maintenance, no official complaints have been filed with Lefier, the spokesperson said. Sigrid’s Garden is responsible for the maintenance of the extension. If it concerns the other parts, we will address it.”