Since its foundation in 1989, ASS POUR LOGEMENT JEUNES ET ETUDIANTS (APLJ) has been committed to addressing one of the most fundamental challenges faced by young people and students in Nancy: access to safe, affordable, and reliable housing. Our association was created out of a recognized need to support youth navigating the complex housing market, often without the necessary resources or guidance. Today, APLJ stands as a pillar of support, advocacy, and empowerment for young individuals seeking stable living arrangements essential for their academic and personal development.
Our History and Foundations
The late 1980s marked a critical time when increasing numbers of young people were moving to urban centers for education and work, but faced severe difficulties in securing housing. The founders of APLJ—community leaders, educators, and concerned citizens—came together to form an association specifically dedicated to this growing social issue. Their vision was to provide a reliable source of assistance, information, and support tailored to the unique circumstances of youth and students.
Since those early days, APLJ has grown steadily, adapting its mission and services to the changing social, economic, and housing environments. We have continuously deepened our understanding of the challenges faced by young renters and expanded our partnerships to enhance the quality and reach of our services.
Our Purpose and Core Mission
At the heart of APLJ lies the purpose of supporting young people and students in overcoming the barriers to housing. Our mission can be summarized as follows:
- To provide personalized assistance to young people and students in their search for housing
- To educate and inform them about their rights, responsibilities, and available support mechanisms
- To advocate for fair, affordable, and accessible housing policies at local and regional levels
- To foster partnerships that create a robust network of resources and opportunities for youth housing
This mission reflects our commitment not just to provide temporary solutions but to contribute to sustainable change in the housing landscape for young people.
Who We Serve
Our services are aimed primarily at individuals between the ages of 16 and 30 who are students, apprentices, trainees, or young workers. This group often faces unique challenges, including limited financial means, lack of local support networks, and inexperience with rental procedures.
Many of the young people we assist are moving to Nancy from other regions or countries for the first time, and we understand the difficulties of relocating without a familiar support system. We also serve those who may be struggling with unstable housing situations, such as temporary stays, overcrowded conditions, or inadequate accommodation.
Our inclusive approach ensures that all young people seeking housing support can access our services regardless of their background or educational institution.
Our Services and Programs
APLJ offers a range of services designed to address every stage of the housing journey for young people:
- Housing Search Support: We assist in identifying available rental options suitable to the individual’s needs and budget, including private apartments, shared housing, and student residences. Our team helps with landlord communication and housing visits.
- Information and Counseling: We provide clear, comprehensive guidance on tenant rights and obligations, rental contracts, deposit procedures, and financial assistance programs such as housing subsidies and guarantees.
- Workshops and Training: Our educational sessions focus on budgeting for housing, understanding rental agreements, maintaining rented properties, and navigating the legal framework protecting tenants.
- Conflict Mediation: When disputes arise between tenants and landlords, we offer mediation services aimed at resolving issues amicably and ensuring fair treatment.
- Advocacy and Policy Work: We engage with local authorities, housing providers, and community organizations to promote policies that increase the availability of affordable housing and improve conditions for young renters.
Our Team
The strength of APLJ is our dedicated team of professionals and volunteers who bring expertise, passion, and empathy to their work. Our staff includes social workers, housing advisors, and administrative personnel who collaborate to provide personalized and effective support.
Our volunteers, many of whom have personal experience with housing challenges or work in related fields, contribute valuable insights and help maintain a close connection to the community we serve.
Together, our team works tirelessly to ensure that young people in Nancy have access to the housing resources they need to succeed.
Our Values
The work of APLJ is guided by a set of core values that shape everything we do:
- Accessibility: We strive to make our services open and reachable to all young people, regardless of their background or financial situation.
- Respect: We treat every individual with dignity, empathy, and confidentiality, recognizing the personal nature of housing issues.
- Empowerment: We believe in equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to navigate housing challenges independently.
- Collaboration: We actively build partnerships with institutions, landlords, and community organizations to strengthen our impact.
- Sustainability: We focus on long-term solutions that provide stability and security in housing.
Our Impact
Over more than 30 years, APLJ has supported thousands of young people in finding safe and affordable housing. Our work has not only helped individuals secure a place to live but has also contributed to raising awareness about youth housing issues in the Nancy region.
We have forged important alliances with universities, local government agencies, and other non-profits, creating a network that enhances the availability and quality of housing support services.
Through our advocacy efforts, we continue to influence policies and programs aimed at improving the housing situation for future generations of students and young people.
Our Vision for the Future
Looking forward, APLJ remains committed to evolving in response to emerging housing challenges and opportunities. We are actively exploring new initiatives such as:
- Expanding shared housing options and cooperative living models to increase affordable choices
- Developing digital tools to facilitate easier access to housing information and listings
- Strengthening advocacy for increased investment in youth housing by local and regional authorities
- Enhancing educational programs to cover broader aspects of financial literacy and tenant rights
Our vision is a future where every young person and student in Nancy can confidently find stable, affordable housing—one that supports their academic success and personal growth.
How You Can Connect with Us
Whether you are a young person seeking housing support, a student preparing to relocate, a parent, or a community partner, we invite you to reach out. Our door is open to anyone interested in learning more about our services or collaborating to improve youth housing in Nancy.
You can visit us at:
35 Rue Raymond Poincaré, 54000 Nancy, France
Or contact us by email at:
Together, we can build a stronger community where housing is a right, not a privilege, for young people and students.