A different type of flatshare

Behind the bay window of a charming house, located just 10 minutes by bus from the hyper-center of Nantes, nestles a shared apartment almost like the others. Here we laugh loudly, we listen to Celine Dion at the top of our lungs, and we chat around the big kitchen table. A joyful atmosphere, in this building which has brought together 10 young people between 23 and 34 years old since April 2022, half of whom have a mental or cognitive disability. This is the case of Maxime, who has Down Syndrome, and who decided to leave the family nest to gain autonomy. “We eat together, we can talk when things are not going well. It's a new family, I am happy.” he underlines.

A testimony that is sadly far from being unanimous. Because in France, nearly 7 million people are facing loneliness, 15% of whom are between 25 and 35 years old. Among them, young people with disabilities who are even more affected by relational isolation (annual report on loneliness, Fondation de France, April 2021). However, 66% of 18-34 year olds consider that shared accommodation, also called coliving, is the answer to the challenges of modern cities. 44% of them would even be ready to try the experience. The problem? 1 request out of 10 is only satisfied.

An observation that is by no means inevitable according to Emmanuel de Carayon and Aurélien L'Hermitte. For the two founders of Fratries, it is even a breeding ground for innovation, a source of inspiration that allowed them to imagine inclusive coliving: accommodations bringing together young active people “By offering these coliving spaces, we create encounters that can change lives, and we demonstrate that we can live together with our differences. It makes us all grow!” Emmanuel recalls.

Unique in France, these new forms of housing intend to revolutionize the field, and above all change the way people look. Starting with the image that can be carried out on the home of a young person with disabilities. Here, no outdated wallpapers, cramped spaces, or a sofa that makes a bed. Heated swimming pool, furnished rooms, garden, and private bathrooms are available to roommates, as are the areas that can be privatized. The objective: to meet each other while maintaining intimacy.

Although the place is intended to be as united as it is aesthetic, there is no question of cutting back on the practical dimension. Here, everything is well thought out. Health care services, workplaces, and social living spaces are nearby. As for living on site, count on the support of disabled people for each house. The manager thus takes care of them by accompanying them until employment. As for life support workers, 2 to 3 of them work at key times of the day.

A place that makes you dream, as are the selection criteria and the tailor-made rent price, calculated on the basis of their resources to ensure a suitable living environment for everyone. For active young people, count 700 euros and a lot of kindness. Finally, 350 euros and a great family spirit for those with disabilities.