Feeling Home: internationals and locals living together

Eindhoven is changing rapidly. The city attracts a growing number of international knowledge workers, and in the coming years, the region is expected to gain 70,000 additional jobs. This puts increasing pressure on the housing market. Internationals often have above-average incomes and are able to find suitable housing more quickly. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly difficult for other groups—such as young people and middle-income earners—to find affordable places to live.

Tensions are emerging between internationals and local residents. Locals become frustrated when they struggle to find housing while newcomers seem to succeed more easily. English is being used more widely in the city, and the rapid growth of Brainport is a frequent topic in public debate.

Internationals often report that it is difficult to feel at home. Many do not speak Dutch fluently, are unfamiliar with local customs, find it hard to connect with neighbors, and do not always feel accepted.

The project Feeling Home: internationals & locals living together aims to reduce these tensions. It builds on previous experience in the Meerhoven neighborhood, where a similar initiative led to, among other things, the VR documentary *Alsof ik je al ken... *.

The approach consists of two components:

• Local interventions in a neighborhood where tensions between residents and internationals are clearly visible.
• Development of a scalable and accessible method that can also be applied elsewhere—for example by community initiatives, neighborhood coordinators, relocation managers, the Expat Center, TU/e, Brainport, and involved companies.

The ultimate goal is to contribute to neighborhoods where all residents—both internationals and locals—feel at home, get to know each other, and live together comfortably.

€50,000,- will be used as a PPP program grant.