Startpunt Wooncoöperatie is a platform established by the Municipality of Groningen and KUUB to help residents develop housing-cooperative initiatives and make affordable housing possible. 7 It is intended for people in the municipality who want to form a group to create a housing cooperative or join an existing one. 2
The platform offers information and practical support, including workshops, tools and guidance to help groups turn an initial housing idea into a plan. 2 Its process includes helping groups prepare a Start Document setting out their aims and values, and guiding them through applying for a site made available by the municipality. 2 Groups selected to develop a site-specific proposal may receive €1,000 for early work; the initiative chosen to proceed to a feasibility study receives a six-month period and a €15,000 loan from the municipality. 2
The organisation focuses on the Municipality of Groningen rather than operating nationally or internationally. 2 Its work includes sharing information, connecting people with similar housing goals, and helping groups move towards a viable cooperative project. 28 A housing cooperative generally involves residents forming an association that owns and manages a building, with members renting their homes from it. 15
The platform’s listed contact address is Martinikerkhof 30/31 in Groningen, at the KUUB office. 3 It was publicly announced as open in October 2024; the sources identify the Municipality of Groningen and KUUB as its founders, but do not specify a precise founding date or name a formal head of the organisation. 78