Predominantly working with migrants, Domicil connects disadvantaged individuals and families to low cost housing throughout Zurich. Their efforts are two-fold, as they assess their clients budget to find a good housing match, but they also teach them how to integrate into local culture. Tenants are responsible for their own rent, but Domicil co-signs on leases to ensure financial security for renters, and considers location to prevent creating low income ghettos.
Domicil works directly with their clients, getting to know them and visiting their homes, so they understand their circumstances and are able to work with them if problems arise. They provide “residential training,” where they come to tenant’s apartments and teach them Swiss cultural norms as well as how to function in their new spaces, which are often significantly smaller than their previous homes.
Photos of Pension Kalkbreite, an example of Zurich cooperative housing where Domicil may arrange to place a tenant.
Some of what I really appreciated learning…
A new form of living being developed in co-ops are “clusters,” which was inspired by “occupied living” aka squatters. There are 5-6 units of individual living spaces with a small kitchen and shower, but all sharing one large living room with a balcony. They self organize gatherings such as shared meals, monthly yoga, and playing music. It’s helping prevent solitude in the city, and allows people to make the space a reflection of themselves.
Some co-ops are experimenting with having tenants sign an agreement they won’t have a car because there are trains, trams and buses right outside. Bike sharing is also quite common. Some offer the support of a traveling nurse, who will come fill your medication or help keep your home clean. And many co-ops make it possible to do all of your living within the one property, with groceries, hair salons, and daycare businesses all operating on site. Green spaces are highly prioritized, typically in the center of the surrounding buildings, providing sheltered children’s play areas and neighborly social zones.