June 2025
Gorkega ulica 34, Maribor

Finding an apartment is becoming an increasingly difficult challenge for many young people—high prices, uncertain leases, and a lack of long-term solutions create pressure and a feeling of hopelessness.

But there are other ways. Housing cooperatives are an alternative model of living based on solidarity, fairness, and community decision-making. In a series of four workshops, we will explore what cooperatives are, how to establish and manage them, and test how such a solution could work in the local environment.

The workshop series is part of the EPEKA Association’s youth program and is aimed at young people, especially those with fewer opportunities. The workshop series was created with the support of the Loli Luludi Association for the Integration of Roma Women.

🕔 Fridays at 5 p.m., duration: 2 hours

✅ Participation is free of charge!

Registration at: epeka@epeka.si

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE (FRIDAYS, JUNE 2025)Workshop 1 – The housing crisis among young people: the situation and alternatives

📅 Friday, June 6, 2025, at 5 p.m.

In the first workshop, we will take a closer look at the situation on the housing market in Slovenia, especially through the eyes of young people. What are the options? Where are the bottlenecks? Why are homes becoming unaffordable? We will also learn about the basic concepts of housing policy and present alternative models—nonprofit housing, community solutions, and, of course, housing cooperatives. We will show examples of good practices from abroad and together consider what could be transferred to our region.

Workshop 2 – What is a housing cooperative (and how does it work)?

📅 Friday, June 13, 2025, at 5 p.m.

This time, we will deepen our understanding of housing cooperatives: what collective ownership means, how the non-profit rent system works, what democratic decision-making and joint maintenance of living space mean. We will present the organizational and legal structure of a cooperative, look at the basic conditions for its establishment, and show domestic and international examples. The workshop is intended for anyone interested in a long-term and fair solution to the housing crisis.

Workshop 3 – Simulation: Let’s establish our own cooperative!

📅 Friday, June 20, 2025, at 5 p.m.

In this interactive workshop, we will use role-playing to establish an imaginary housing cooperative. Participants will take on the roles of future members, agree on common values, location, mode of operation, management, and financing. Through this process, we will experience how complex yet inspiring collective decision-making can be. The simulation will show us what we need to pay attention to, how to resolve disagreements, and why cooperation is the foundation of cooperative living.

Workshop 4 – First steps towards your own housing cooperative

📅Friday, June 27, 2025, at 5 p.m.

In the final workshop, we will gather specific knowledge and make a plan: how to assemble a team, where to find information and support, which institutions to involve, and how to go about forming a cooperative. We will review financing options, cooperation with the municipality, links with existing initiatives, and the legal framework in Slovenia. The goal is for each participant to gain an overview of the path they can take with their group to achieve a fair, stable, and accessible housing solution.

🎯 Participation is free of charge, but places are limited – register as soon as possible!

📧 Registration and information: epeka@epeka.si

📍 Where? EPEKA Association, Gorkega ulica 34, Maribor

The EPEKA youth program is co-financed by:   Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Youth, Municipality of Maribor and Erasmus+.