The experience of solidary shared housing

Lazarus brings together homeless people and young professionals

The Lazarus association, recognized as being of general interest, was born from a disruptive initiative: helping people who have experienced the street to regain their autonomy by giving them the possibility of living alongside young active volunteers, from 25 to 35 years old.

Lazarus’ innovative economic model ensures 75% self-financing: investments, namely the acquisition and renovation of houses, are financed by fundraising campaigns, while building expenses are covered by the rents paid equally between all the joint tenants.

Stability being a key to success, young workers sign up for a period of at least one year, renewable. On the other hand, there is no time limit for the homeless, the objective being to give them the time necessary to rebuild themselves.

To make its solidarity houses work, Lazarus implements a certain number of support measures: targeted training on various subjects (such as living together); appointment of a responsible family to mediate on a daily basis; and provision of a social worker to facilitate professional integration as well as a patient expert to help fight against addictions and supervise treatment procedures.

Building on its success, the association plans to double its reception capacity by 2025. It is present in Mexico, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Switzerland and Spain. In France, it has 11 solidarity houses and soon 12, with that of Clermont-Ferrand which, thanks in particular to the support of the Michelin Corporate Foundation, will open its doors in early 2024.