Zusammenleben Willkommen
Zusammenleben Willkommen is an initiative that brings together housing providers and refugees to promote solidarity in living together. They advocate for decentralized accommodation and offer support in finding shared living spaces as well as volunteer engagement opportunities.
Zusammenleben Willkommen: An Initiative for Solidarity Togetherness
editWhat We Do
editZusammenleben Willkommen is an initiative that focuses on bringing together housing providers and refugees to initiate private and solidarity-based cohabitation. Our main service consists of mediating rooms in shared apartments (WGs) instead of accommodation in mass shelters or camps. We offer counseling for refugees in their search for WG rooms and assist in preparing the cost coverage by the responsible authorities[1][2][3].
Mission and Values
editOur mission is to create an open and solidarity-based society where cohabitation on equal terms is a matter of course. We criticize the central accommodation in camps, which stigmatizes and excludes people, and politically advocate for decentralized accommodation. Our values are based on the principle that no person is illegal, and that diversity and solidarity are the foundation for good cohabitation. We see integration not as a one-way street, but as a joint effort of all involved[1][2][3].
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editIn the long term, we aim to create a society where dignified housing and social participation are possible for everyone. We see having one's own four walls as the first step towards privacy and social integration. We promote the relocation of refugees from camps to WG rooms or their own apartments and support the financing of rent through various means[3].
International Network
editZusammenleben Willkommen is part of the international network Refugees Welcome International, which includes teams from many countries in and outside of Europe. All work based on our idea to promote solidarity-based cohabitation[1].
Voluntary Work and Engagement
editWe offer comprehensive support and accompaniment programs for our volunteer ambassadors, who inform about the inhumane living conditions in camps at festivals, concerts, and cultural events, and convince WGs to register available rooms. Our volunteers benefit from regular training and further education opportunities and can network nationwide[4].
History and Development
editThe project Zusammenleben Willkommen, originally Flüchtlinge Willkommen, was created in the autumn of 2014 when Mareike Geiling and Jonas Kakoschke made a room in their apartment available to a refugee. Since then, we have developed into a nationwide platform that brings together refugees and WGs[1].