Flat-sharing for Solidarity Projects

Quality of Life

Neighbourhood solidarity: shared flats in exchange for community service

KAPS (Flat-sharing for Solidarity Projects) is based on a simple idea: providing young people with shared housing in “deprived” neighbourhoods, where each roommate (Kapseur) is responsible for carrying out solidarity activities with and for the inhabitants. With this programme, AFEV, a student volunteer NGO, aims to provide moderately priced housing to young people (students, volunteers, apprentices, etc.) and encourage their community engagement in deprived neighbourhoods. KAPS is implemented in partnership with local authorities, landlords and universities. The solidarity projects include making use of public space (e.g. shared gardens), catering to the needs of the inhabitants (with exchanges and services), and participating in neighbourhood events. Established in 30 cities in France, KAPS currently welcomes more than 600 young people in flat-sharing schemes who, in turn, reach out to more than 8,000 inhabitants.