WITH each other – FOR each other
Housing partnerships in Magdeburg

WITH each other – FOR each other

is a housing partnership project run by the Studentenwerk Magdeburg. It addresses two key needs in our city: affordable housing for students and apprentices, as well as support and a sense of community in everyday life for residents.

In times of rising rents and growing social isolation, the project is based on a simple yet effective idea: bringing together people who can benefit from one another.
Students and apprentices gain access to affordable housing in a tight housing market. At the same time, landlords receive support in their daily lives and build social connections. This fosters personal connections, intergenerational exchange, and new perspectives.
The project is not exclusively aimed at people with specific support needs. Citizens who wish to provide young people with affordable housing and make a contribution can also become part of the project.

The project is more than just a housing placement service. It creates:

• financial relief for young people
• Support for Citizens in Their Daily Lives
• Encounters Between Generations and Cultures
• a way to combat loneliness

In this way, a free room becomes a housing partnership and a “FOR each other” becomes a real “WITH each other”.

How the Matching Process Works

Getting started is simple and straightforward:

1. To get in touch: Interested parties should contact the project coordinators.
2. Fill out the profile form: Next, a profile form is filled out. This form documents your wishes, expectations, and general circumstances—for example, regarding your living situation, support services, or the amount of time required—as well as your interests and hobbies.
3. Housing Inspection: Before adding a property to our housing pool, we personally inspect the offered housing. During the inspection, we assess whether it is appropriate and suitable for students. This ensures that the listing is legitimate and reliable.
4. Compatibility Matching: Based on this information, we assess who might be a good match for each other. The matching process is guided by the needs and expectations of both parties.
5. Getting to Know Each Other in Person: If both parties feel that things are generally a good fit, an initial meeting is scheduled. During this meeting, the host and the guest have the opportunity to get to know each other at their own pace and decide whether they can envision a living partnership.
6. Agreement: If both parties agree, the terms of their agreement will be set forth in writing.

Support from the very beginning

The Studentenwerk does not act as a landlord; rather, it facilitates and supports the process.
Throughout the entire duration of the housing partnership, the project coordinator serves as a dedicated point of contact for organizational questions as well as any uncertainties or challenges. This creates a reliable and secure framework for both parties.

Contact & Office Hours

The project is currently in its start-up phase. An initial pilot phase is now underway, so interested parties can already sign up and be added to the placement pool.
Anyone who would like to participate or has questions about the project can contact the project coordinator directly:

Personal Introduction

Hi, I’m Marie Pöhlmann. Magdeburg is my hometown. I was born and raised here, studied social sciences at OVGU, and am now serving as the coordinator for this project. I’m responsible for setting up, facilitating, and providing personal support for the housing sponsorship program.

Even while I was in college, I was particularly interested in topics like social cohesion and social participation. “With Each Other – For Each Other” puts exactly that into practice. It’s important to me that everyone involved feels well taken care of and knows they can turn to me at any time.

For me, this project is more than just a professional assignment. It’s an opportunity to help shape something meaningful in my hometown and to facilitate encounters that truly make a difference.
In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, relaxing on Sundays, and having good conversations over a drink, and I’m already looking forward to getting to know the people who are bringing this project to life.