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In the 20th district, cheaper student housing in exchange for services rendered

undefined undefined 9 novembre 2024 undefined 09h30

undefined undefined 21 novembre 2024 undefined 17h30

The Editor

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A student apartment for less than 600€ in exchange for community service is the exciting new initiative launched by the City of Paris and Paris Habitat. This unprecedented and commendable measure aims to tackle skyrocketing housing costs and student precariousness.

It's no longer news to anyone, the student precariousness claims more and more victims each year. It's a complex situation that drives some to go without food or school supplies just to afford their rent, and it needs to stop soon! Thankfully, the City of Paris has understood this, partnering with Paris Habitat to offer a budget-friendly housing alternative that everyone can agree on.


It's a Win-Win!

At Cité Bonnier in the 20th arrondissement, the idea is straightforward: carefully selected students get access to affordable housing (compared to the market), but in return, they commit to spending 4 to 5 hours of their time each week on volunteering in the neighborhood: raising awareness about sustainable development, providing support for projects

neighborhood transformation projects, or even tutoring support.

For example, there's Paul, a scholarship student at Sciences Po Paris, who pays €550 each month (before APL) for a 25 m² apartment in exchange for homework help and tutoring at the social center of Les Rigoles, right next to his cozy little nest. Without this program, he would need to spend on average over €900 each month for the same space.


A significant helping hand

Currently, 35 such housing options are available in this 20th district. Although they are currently reserved for Sciences Po students, with whom Paris Habitat has had a partnership since 2017, we hope this initiative will soon be adopted by many other student housing programs. Indeed, it makes things easier for everyone involved!

apartment searches, financial assistance, provides a stable working environment, and allows for the development of citizenship actions at the neighborhood level. What more could you ask for?