The underdogs who want to make housing in Luxembourg affordable

A single mother who works part-time.

An Afghan refugee who has found work as a tradesperson.

A 20-year-old who wants to get her life back on track and helps out in a shop alongside her evening classes.

Different life stories, but the same problem: even with a job, finding accommodation in Luxembourg can seem hopeless. Non-profit organisations are determined to change this. They are small and diverse, but they build, buy and renovate houses and flats across the country – with one aim: to create more affordable rental accommodation.

The long-established Luxembourg Red Cross, for example, provides affordable housing for people in precarious life situations who are already receiving support from its social services. Whilst the Red Cross provides dwellings for specific target groups, the housing offered by Life asbl is, in principle, open to anyone interested. Since 2018, the association has acquired around 20 houses and let them to shared-accommodation groups. In addition, according to its board member Gary Diderich, who will soon become a Member of Parliament, the non-profit organisation manages just under 60 properties under social rental management. It is now even venturing into new-build projects (see info box).