Oldest social housing scheme 88 cent per year

The world's oldest social housing scheme, annual rent 88 cents

In Germany, residents have to pay only 88 cents (approximately Rs. 170) a year in rent and pray three times a day for the founder of the project. This has been the tradition for the last five hundred years.

Accommodations in the German region of Fogri (Fogirai) are now also the center of attention for tourists. This area is located in the city of Augsburg. But this charming Bavarian town is more than just a social housing project. This affordable housing scheme for the needy has been going on for the last five hundred years. There are a total of 67 houses and 142 houses for about 150 needy people.

The project was founded on August 23, 1521 by Jacob Foger, a businessman from Augsburg. However, those who want to live in these affordable accommodation have to meet certain conditions. The houses built for the poor at that time housed laborers and artisans whose livelihood depended on their daily income. These residences were for people who wanted to live a dignified life and were looking for work. According to Jacob Fogger, there was no room for beggars because the church and the city administration were working for them. In addition, it was stipulated that residents must be from Augsburg, be Catholic, and pray three times a day for the soul of the founding merchant.

In addition, the residents had to pay an annual rent, which at that time was equal to one week's earnings of a craftsman or laborer. However, the rent has not been increased for the last five hundred years. At that time it was 88 cents a year. The law still requires residents to pray three times a day for the founder of the project. However, no one was ever questioned as to whether or not anyone did so.

Who lives here now?

Noel Gaubadia, 27, has lived in Fogery for more than ten years. Her mother's financial situation was not good and she moved here with her two children. "When we came here, it was mostly elderly people," Noel Gaubadia told DW. I was also worried about them. We were the first family to come here, from another country. ”

One of the purposes of these residences was to keep the neighbors together and to take care of each other's needs. "Our job was to gossip with each other," says Noel Gaubadia. We would sit together, occasionally eat together and watch TV together. After a while, you realize that you have found another family of your own. ” 

Elona Barber, 71, also lives here. The woman's pension was so low that expenses were not being met. The elderly woman owns a 55-square-meter flat and now lives in Fogery with her two cats and five birds. Fogery residents are also expected to support the administration whenever needed. For example, if there is mowing or occasional surveillance at night, the request is made by the local residents. The outer gate of this colony is closed at ten o'clock at night and anyone who wants to enter the colony after that has to pay fifty cents to the watchman.

A look at the future

Initially, housing was scarce, but over time, the number of homes increased as needed. Bunkers were also built during World War II to keep residents safe. On August 23, all the residents are very happy that this project has completed 500 years. The administration here wants such projects to be launched around the world, keeping in mind this successful model. The Fogery Foundation is still managed by the Fogger family. Whether the management will remain in the hands of the same rich family in the future or whether the foundation will be brought under the control of the government, no one has the answer yet.