« We wanted to address a dual issue: the struggle of young people to find housing when arriving in Paris or other big cities, and on the other side, the isolation of seniors», explains Coline Guénel.
Indeed, many rooms remain unused while many young people struggle to find housing. « Just in Paris, there are 100,000 vacant rooms belonging to people over 60», emphasizes Coline Guénel. To transform these available spaces into opportunities for connection, Colette facilitates the creation of pairs between seniors and young people, securing each step of the cohabitation process.
Because behind housing, the challenge is primarily human. « I don’t want to put just anyone in my uncle and aunt’s home, and conversely, I don’t want to place my cousin and little brother with just anyone», summarizes the co-founder. The startup thus plays a role as a reference point, from the initial connection to mediation in case of difficulties.
This experience later gave rise to the Colette Club, a meeting and activity space for those over 50. This evolution stemmed from a need expressed by the members themselves after the lockdowns. « These individuals asked us to connect them with each other, with people from the same district, the same neighborhood, simply to meet and break out of their routine».
For Coline Guénel, aging well rests on three pillars: purchasing power, social relationships, and social usefulness. Cohabitation allows seniors to regain daily presence, but also the feeling of still having a role to play in society.
« Of course, I am in favor of intergenerational connections, I truly believe in all of this. We have hosted 2,500 young people with 2,500 seniors, and all the feedback points in the same direction. So, what drives me to continue, to absolutely want to democratize this practice that is wonderful in my eyes », concludes Coline Guénel.
