Stëmm vun der Strooss Inaugurates New Extension in Hollerich

On Wednesday 19 February 2025, local non-profit organisation Stëmm vun der Strooss, in the presence of Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, inaugurated the expansion of its social restaurant in Luxembourg-Hollerich.

Originally opened by Stëmm in 2013, the social restaurant, located at 68-70 Rue de Hollerich (Luxembourg-Hollerich), is Luxembourg's largest social dining facility, providing 102,307 meals in 2024. However, due to an ever increasing demand for its services, it became necessary to expand the kitchen facilities at the location.

The expansion, which cost €320,000 and was funded entirely by donations, took six months to complete and has been operational since December 2024. It can now accommodate an additional 90 people each day.

Director of Stëmm vun der Strooss, Alexandra Oxacelay, explained: "The new extension to the restaurant has reduced waiting times and minimised conflicts by providing more space for visitors. With better organisation and less crowding, the overall experience for guests has improved. These changes are essential as demand continues to rise. In 2024 alone, the restaurant in Hollerich served an average of 478 meals daily."

As well as the expansion of the existing kitchen facilities, Stëmm’s premises at 7 Rue de la Fonderie (Luxembourg-Hollerich) have also been extended, opening up new space to provide additional services, including free medical consultations, veterinary services, hairdressing facilities and dedicated office space for the "Children's Voice" (Kannerstëmm) programme. The additional space required for this extension was provided by the Reuter family who, as the owners of surrounding properties, have made 160 square metres of space available to Stëmm, rent-free for a period of ten years.

At the event, President of Stëmm vun der Strooss, André Duebbers, took the opportunity to discuss the association's work and how it has developed since it first opened its doors. He explained how its services have evolved over time from assisting homeless individuals and drug addicts, to now providing services and support for war refugees, individuals seeking temporary protection and an increasing number of working poor who struggle to make ends meet.

A number of statistics were presented to those in attendance which detailed how the demographics Stëmm deals with have evolved over time. Notably, there has been an increase in the number of children visiting the facilities with their parents. In 2024, the restaurant provided meals to approximately 480 minors (aged eighteen to 25). In terms of nationalities, Portuguese nationals now represent the largest group among visitors, accounting for over 15%. Luxembourg nationals follow closely behind, representing approximately 11% of the total.

Upon arrival at Stëmm’s facilities at Rue de la Fonderie, the Grand Ducal couple were presented with flowers and took the opportunity to meet members of staff and talk to visitors in attendance. They then travelled to Stëmm’s newly extended kitchen facilities on Rue de Hollerich to complete the inauguration.

SM