FORUM Gemeinschaftliches Wohnen e.V., Bundesvereinigung, is a Germany-wide association based in Hannover. Established as a formal organization in 1992, its origins go back to the 1980s, when groups interested in alternative and collaborative housing for older people formed the first initiatives. These groups held their first nationwide meeting in 1988 in Hannover and soon recognized the need for a broader platform to coordinate experience and knowledge exchange. The association’s head office has been located in Hannover since 1996.
As of 2025, the FORUM encompasses more than 20 regional branches across most German states and draws members from a mix of self-organized housing projects, organizations, and private individuals. Its core activities include advising municipalities, providing resources for people interested in starting or joining collaborative housing initiatives, and offering professional training, events, and networking. A key tool is the online project marketplace, which showcases existing and prospective collaborative housing projects across Germany and encourages exchange and participation.
The association also performs policy work, publishing statements on housing and care topics, and is involved in model programs funded by federal and state ministries, such as the long-running Niedersachsenbüro Neues Wohnen im Alter and the national “WIN” platform. Current projects featured range from intergenerational house communities to initiatives repurposing older buildings for collective living, often with a focus on accessibility and social inclusion. The forum is recognized as a non-profit and operates both through a volunteer board and professional staff.