FORUM Gemeinschaftliches Wohnen

FORUM Gemeinschaftliches Wohnen (FGW) is a prominent German network dedicated to promoting and supporting self-organized, community-based housing initiatives. It brings together individuals and organizations across the country who are interested in alternative forms of living, emphasizing the value of shared housing models that foster social connection and mutual support. The organisation serves as a central platform for information, advice, and exchange of experience among professionals, project groups, municipalities, and the housing sector. It aims to highlight the diversity of communal living projects and assists interested parties in finding suitable forms of community-oriented housing. FGW also supports networking among housing projects nationwide through initiatives such as an interactive project exchange and a network of regional offices, coordinated from its headquarters in Hannover. FGW’s advocacy extends to contributing positions on housing and social policy at the federal level, regularly issuing statements and collaborating on policy papers that represent the views of grassroots, non-profit, and cooperative actors in the field. Its projects and expertise address not only urban but also rural settings, with a focus on enabling inclusive, intergenerational, and socially sustainable neighbourhoods. FGW has played a significant role in shaping debates around new models of housing for older people, those with support needs, and other groups seeking alternatives to traditional housing. As a knowledge hub, FGW actively participates in public forums, publishes research, and organizes events to share best practices and drive the spread of innovative, community-centric living arrangements, making it a key actor in Europe’s growing movement for collaborative housing.