Intergenerational housing initiatives for students and older lonely persons
1toit2ages, Belgium
The Belgian association 1toit2ages attempts to reconcile two needs: that of students in search of confortable, inexpensive accommodation and that of the older persons living alone and looking for company. The association helps students find a room with an elderly person in return for a bit of company during the evening and a reassuring presence at night.
Created in 2006, ensemble2générations aims at enabling students and seniors to live together.
The older person who host a student provides him with cheap accommodation in compensation for services, but also with a place to live, meet and share. A written agreement states what is expected from both parties and a follow-up is ensured. The objective of the project is to create social links and foster exchange and solidarity between both generations, which can help address current societal challenges.
900 students and older people are part of the project, run by 13 agencies in France.
