As of: April 5, 2024, 5:15 p.m
By: Martin Schullerus
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Maximilian Vogel mows the lawn, Klaus Serbin looks on: Gardening in return for living was just the beginning of their arrangement. The two men are now very good friends. © Dagmar Rutt
Maximilian Vogel (30) has been living in Klaus Serbin's (84) house in Planegg for six years - without paying a cent of rent. The “Housing for Help” model brought the two together. The pragmatic start has developed into a friendship for life.
Planegg –
“If things go well, it’s a big win for both sides,” says Maximilian Vogel. Things went perfectly for him and Klaus Serbin, they both agree, even if they sometimes tease and tease like an old married couple. During his studies in social sciences, Maximilian Vogel learned about the “Housing for Help” project run by the “Beinander eV” association, which brings old and young people together - for mutual benefit (see box). “I heard about it from friends and signed up straight away,” says Klaus Serbin. After his wife died seven years ago and the three adult children moved out, he lived alone in the two-story single-family house on Mathildenstrasse. “It soon got on my nerves,” admits the sprightly pensioner.
Maximilian Vogel, for his part, applied after his shared apartment in Munich fell apart. He got his start in the project with a 98-year-old lady; After two years, the club had to refer him to Klaus Serbin. “The trial period is four weeks long, but we quickly agreed that we were a good fit for each other,” says Vogel.
The regulations were initially adhered to: The concept stipulates that the young person - usually students - does not pay rent, but only a flat rate for additional costs. In return, he undertakes to provide the elderly homeowner with as many hours of help per month as the number of square meters he inhabits. In the Serbin/Vogel household, this has long since become entrenched. “After a year, Klaus waived the additional costs,” says the young man. And the older one adds: “Maximilian can spread out here as much as he wants.” In fact, the 30-year-old lives on an entire floor, and he couldn’t work that many hours for all the square meters.
The work is therefore only a relative return. Mowing the lawn a little, shoveling some snow, carrying crates of drinks into the house – “Klaus says when he needs help”. No, the two of them are past the community of convenience phase. “For me it’s mainly about having company, not being alone, not having to eat alone,” says Klaus Serbin. In the evenings the two like to talk - about the day, politics, the news, God and the world. And they discovered common interests. Maximilian likes to program, Klaus studied electrical engineering. “We also complement each other digitally,” says the senior and smiles. “We are good friends now; The chemistry is right.” They are currently planning their next visit to the theater, they also go to musicals or cook together. Mowing the lawn can wait.
Even though the two of them can recommend the “Housing for Help” model from experience and conviction, they do not see it through rose-colored glasses. “Both sides always have to make an effort and work to ensure that the relationship remains on an equal footing,” says Klaus Serbin. “Nobody is a supplicant, both have to give something and be able to compromise.” And Maximilian Vogel adds: “The basic pillars are open, honest communication and trust – as with any relationship.” His social science studies were a great help to him. “It helped me to respond to people and talk openly with them,” he says. Of course, his time in the German Navy didn't hurt in getting along with Klaus, he jokes.
Both of them can understand that many older people have reservations about bringing a stranger into their home. But the club checks the candidates beforehand; The young people not only have to identify themselves, but also present an official certificate of good conduct. There is also the probationary period and, in the background, the constant support and willingness of the club. In the meantime, Klaus Serbin and Maximilian Vogel have become real promoters of the solidarity generation concept. Maximilian has already given lectures on this at the university, and they both gave interviews and took part in media reports.
Maximilian Vogel has now found a rental apartment in Freiham. But it is empty. He says: “I'm a loyal person and Klaus is one of the best friends I've ever had. I can’t just leave him.”