The mediation process

How does it work?

The mediation process between the student and the person offering housing is always the same:

First, the employees of Wohnen für Hilfe get to know the student in a personal interview. During this first meeting, a questionnaire is used to find out about the student's motivation and abilities, as well as their needs and requirements regarding the housing provider and the housing.

The householders are visited at home - not only to see the room offered, but also to get to know the person with his or her motivations and needs. It is also important to work out what the requirements and wishes are with regard to the student.

When the staff members have selected two persons whose profiles match, both householder and student are informed of each other, with important key data of the respective person being mentioned. 

Only when both parties have agreed to get to know each other, the contact details are exchanged and a first meeting can be arranged. After this first meeting, each person has the opportunity to openly state whether or not they can imagine living together with the other person.

A trial living is recommended, which can last from a few days to two weeks. Here, the housholder and the student can see whether living together can work. If the trial living is successful, a so-called housing contract can be concluded, which regulates the most important things of living together (number and way of assistance, amount of service charges, notice period, etc.). The housing partnership thus created is supervised by the two coordinators during the entire 'term' and they are available to advise on any questions.

When selecting the living partnership, attention is paid to a harmonious unity. The chemistry between the two parties must be right. In any case, firm agreements should be made regarding support services, visiting friends and absences. 

The conditions for a successful partnership between the student and the person providing housing may vary. But one thing is the same in all housing partnerships: tolerance and commitment with regard to the expectations one has of the other are important cornerstones for a good success.