Question 1

Who will be our future housemate?

Accepted Answer

Your future housemate is someone who has been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection in Belgium, who is over 18 years old, and who speaks English and/or French (depending on the language of communication in your household). They therefore have the right to stay, work, etc. 
Individuals with any form of addiction, a history of violence, or criminal behavior are not eligible for the CoSol project.

Question 2

Is our shared accommodation ready for this adventure?

Accepted Answer

Ask yourself the following questions:
 • Is the room available for at least 12 months?
 • Is our accommodation located in the Brussels-Capital Region?
 • Is it possible to register a domicile there?
 • Is the rent and utilities total no more than 550 EUR?
 • Are you eager to warmly welcome a new housemate?

Ideally, the answer to these questions should be "Yes"! If not, still get in touch with us, and we will see how we can make it work!

Question 3

Can we choose our housemate?

Accepted Answer

SINGA is responsible for finding a housemate who best matches the personalities and lifestyles of the existing household. The current housemates cannot choose from multiple candidates, but they can always decline the proposal after meeting the candidate. If possible, SINGA will then propose another person.

Question 4

How much time and effort does it take to participate in the project?

Accepted Answer

Participation in the project does not require any more effort or investment than any other housemate situation. The goal is to foster exchange and mutual learning through shared living.

Question 5

Who pays the rent?

Accepted Answer

Like every member of the shared household, the refugee person pays their own share of the rent and utilities and actively participates in house activities.

Question 6

Does this affect the rental contract with the landlord?

Accepted Answer

No more than any other new housemate joining your household during the course of the lease.

Question 7

I currently don’t have space in my shared accommodation. What can I do?

Accepted Answer

Get in touch with us or express your interest through our participation form.(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8IhVd_ZN3_rMtMipULTi4bHqN_VJXuzGp0KOPXv8JQ9AMyg/viewform) This way, we can stay in touch when a spot becomes available! 
In the meantime, you can also support the success of the CoSol project by liking our Facebook page,(https://www.facebook.com/SINGA.Bruxelles?locale=fr_FR) sharing our contact information in housing ads you see, and talking about us to others. You are always welcome at our activities and bazars,(https://en.singa-belgium.org/agenda) where you can meet the entire SINGA community and team members.

Question 8

How long does the arrangement last?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed time limit; it lasts as long as all participants wish, in accordance with the rights and responsibilities outlined in the lease agreement.

Question 9

Is there a maximum age?

Accepted Answer

There is no maximum age to participate in the project. However, when matching people, SINGA ensures that the people being matched share similar desires, needs, and interests so that their personalities and ways of living are compatible.

Question 10

What support does SINGA provide?

Accepted Answer

SINGA supports you throughout the project: introducing you to potential housemates, facilitating communication, and being available throughout your cohabitation. Our goal is for the shared accommodation to be just like any other: with no additional burdens for the household, with equal treatment for both the refugee and other housemates, allowing everyone to focus on living together and building connections. To achieve this, SINGA connects the refugee with an AdminBuddy who helps them with various steps, and provides active listening and mediation for all parties involved in the shared accommodation for up to 6 months.

Question 11

What if things don’t go well between us?

Accepted Answer

The matching process aims to establish a framework that helps prevent problems upfront. However, if the cohabitation still generates issues, SINGA is available to act as a neutral third party in any potential conflict and help find a solution. The earlier we are informed of any tensions, the better we can assist in finding a solution. If no solution can be found, the participants can always decide together to end the cohabitation.

CONNECTING INDIVIDUALS

SOLIDARITY SHARED HOUSING

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