Domitys, dare a different student accommodation

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Domitys is a company that, since its inception in 1998, puts the relationship first with the other. Indeed, it is the leading company of residences for Seniors. Residences all over France, where residents can live independently, together, in a comfortable and safe environment. She then notes, each year, that at the same time, many students are looking for housing for their student year. A demand that does not always meet the supply, especially in university cities like Bordeaux. Domitys had an innovative idea, to offer accommodation free of charge to a student within the residence.

“Generation Part’Ages” by Domitys, an initiative that creates a link

This initiative, called “Generation Part’Ages” (1) has two specific objectives. On the one hand, allow a student to have a new, well-located and furnished accommodation not far from his establishment, and this, free of charge. On the other hand, allow Domitys residents to have a presence throughout the week, to break the loneliness. This helps foster intergenerational sharing, while building strong relationships between residents and students. Thus, against a few hours spent with the residents each week, the student has access to a furnished apartment, free of charge. Renting real estate, especially in large cities, is proving to be a complicated task. This is a large budget to take into account, with an offer that does not always allow you to be close to its establishment. The solution proposed by Domitys currently accommodates about thirty students. A great success that develops relationships that last over time.

Initiatives that bring people together already exist in France, such as intergenerational co-location. In Bordeaux, the association Living With (2) allows a student to rent a room at a senior, for a small financial contribution. This allows the senior not to be alone at home, to have a presence all year round. For the student, the rental of the room is much more interesting than a conventional rental (150 to 250 euros depending on the accommodation) and allows you not to be alone. A reassuring solution for the families of the elderly, as well as for the parents of the students. Thus, in exchange for a regular presence, and participation in the small tasks of daily life (commissions, taking out the trash…), the student enjoys a comfortable room. It’s a solution that, like Domitys, can create a link. These supportive housing units are on the rise, and initiatives are multiplying.

Solidarity initiatives and housing in Bordeaux, the outstretched hand of students

In Bordeaux, there are other solidarity initiatives that allow a student to have a place to live throughout his or her year. Far from the intergenerational cohabitation proposed by Living With, or Domitys, the Association of the Student Foundation for the City (AFEV) has put in place a concept that seduces. The KAPS (3), or Kolocation to Solidarity Projects, allow students to engage in a solidarity project within a working-class neighbourhood. In contact with the inhabitants, they create facilities, such as shared vegetable gardens, and allow to forge a link with the inhabitants. In exchange, they have access to shared accommodation with other KAPS students in the affected neighbourhoods. In Pessac, this project allows 13 students to live in a flatshare in 3 apartments in a student residence.

The success of these student housing like no other offers a fresh perspective on relations with each other. In a senior’s residence, as with Domitys, or with the local, with Living With, the creation of a link dominates. The KAPS, on the other hand, helps to break the isolation of populations within working-class neighbourhoods. A way to put people back into the urban, and to build caring relationships in neighborhoods set aside. In short, to promote social diversity and equality.

Sources:

  1. Domitys press release – 10/08/2020 – DOMITYS, leader of senior service residences, renews its operation, now “Generation Part’age” dedicated to students
  2. Solidarity and intergenerational housing in Bordeaux: Association Living With
  3. Kaps (c) afev
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