Accommodation in Montpellier: students and seniors gathered at the Maison Anne Franck

Director Laurent Jullien de Pommerol (from left to right) with Emmanuel, 18, Esther, 22, Gilberte, 90, and Michèle, 86. PCa

The intergenerational residence of Habitat et Humanisme, avenue de Castelnau, is also making its debut in an innovative system. Testimony of the first residents.

Bringing together students and seniors in a living space "like at home", explains Laurent Jullien de Pommerol, the director of the Maison Anne Franck, that is the concept of this innovative residence that opened at the start of summer.

At 62 Avenue de Castelnau, next to the large park of the Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Spirit, the house offers 63 single rooms, furnished or not, to accommodate together elderly people, isolated or losing their autonomy, students with low incomes, convalescents or even passing guests.

Open day Thursday

"The house was built as an Ehpad, explains the director, but we wanted it to be intergenerational." The branch of the national association Habitat et Humanisme welcomes 8 students and already 36 seniors, in a busy first term. “Students are supposed to devote 13 hours per week to community life: weekly participation in activities, one evening and one night of watch during the week, one weekend every two months to help in the restaurant. But there is no formal commitment!”

“We are in a bit of a rush before our open day this Thursday, September 12!”, continues Laurent Jullien de Pommerol. He nevertheless takes the time to show off the three floors (4,350 m2 in total), with several lounges or tea rooms on each level – and even a rooftop! – the 80-seat restaurant or the large lounge downstairs with its piano.

In the large living room on the ground floor. “We often meet here”. PCa

“Not finding yourself alone”

There, Gilberte Moreno, 90 years old, current dean, comfortably installed in one of the large armchairs, confides in a clear voice: “In Baillargues then in Montpellier, I took care of my grandchildren a lot… But I didn't want to die alone. Here, it's alive. And I enjoy the Franciscan chapel, on the other side of the park, where there is a service every day."

“We often meet here, in the living room. It's nice, confirms Emmanuel Tarrin, 18, from Grâce, in the Var, who is entering his first year of BUT Physical Measurements. I visited two other apartments… Of course, the price played a role. But above all, I was going to find myself alone."

"Student of the future life"

"Alongside my studies, explains Esther Kirongo, 22, a native of Congo and student at Montpellier Business School, I was looking to get involved in an association, for a cause, to help. There, I kill two birds with one stone. Being a volunteer in the House allows me to accompany the elderly, to talk with them, to share their activities."

“But I too am a student, cut Michèle Vaquer, 86 years old, alert Parisian who lived in Metz and returned to Montpellier “because the medical platform is adapted", and “here too because they accepted my 14-year-old dog !" As for the specialty studied ? “I am a student of the future life."

Anne Frank Residence, 62 avenue de Castelnau, in Montpellier. Open day this Thursday, September 12, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Contact: 09 71 11 20 20; or by email: maison-anne-frank@habitat-humanisme.org

Creating a link and… a micro-crèche

For nearly 40 years, Habitat et Humanisme has been innovating in the development of real estate housing that promotes social ties, mutual aid, and a mix of ages and situations. The rates at Maison Anne Franck are part of this approach.

For seniors, full-board rentals range from €1,350 to €1,500 per month, all inclusive.

For students, with half-board during the week and full-board on weekends, the budget is around €560 per month. “Some are scholarship holders, so with the APL, they get by on less than 200 euros per month”, specifies Laurent Jullien de Pommerol. No wonder this group is full. “The idea is also to help students by offering them an opportunity for service and a life that is conducive to their success.”

For people in day hospitalization, their families or companions, various formulas are offered, from 45 € to 65 € per day.

At the same time, the opening of a micro-crèche with 12 places is imminent. "We have just obtained all the authorizations in principle, the director enthuses. Already 7 children are registered. There are still some possibilities!"

Michèle, Gilberte, Emmanuel, Esther and Laurent, on the terrace of the living room overlooking the park. PCa

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