Critical Call for Support to Sustain Children and Youth Shared Housing in Nerima

A Critical Appeal for Community Support

The future of a community hub aimed at providing a safe space for children and a launching pad for young adults is at risk. The crowdfunding campaign for Commons Hikawadai in Nerima is nearing its deadline, and the situation is urgent. With only 10 days left until July 31, 2026, the initiative has successfully raised about 332,000 yen, but it aims to reach a target of 3 million yen. This leaves a significant gap of approximately 2.67 million yen to cover essential operational costs and repairs.

Facing Closure: The Story of Commons Hikawadai

Commons Hikawadai, located in a three-story building in Hikawadai, Nerima, was created in response to a critical notification of the closure of a facility that had been a trusted space for children. The building's owner agreed to the negotiations led by the Wakaichai Nerima organization, which has been committed to supporting people in need. Since March 2026, they have re-established the complex as a multi-generational community hub, continuing essential services such as nighttime outreach for homeless individuals and emergency support.

The Multifunctional Role of Commons Hikawadai

Commons Hikawadai is divided into three floors, each serving a unique function:

- First Floor: A Safe Haven for Children and Community

The first floor serves as a nurturing place for children, especially those whose parents are unavailable due to work or caregiving commitments on Sundays. Named ‘Tengu-chanchi’, it acts as a ‘third place’ - a welcoming space where anyone from the community can drop by and engage with others.

- Second Floor: Office and Community Welfare Hub

The second floor functions as the operational base for local welfare activities, facilitating consultations and collaborations to support community members in need.

- Third Floor: Young Adult Shared Housing

The third floor is dedicated to a shared housing facility designed for young adults. Existing rehabilitation services primarily cater to older individuals, leading to a notable absence of support for younger generations. At Commons Hikawadai, rooms are offered at affordable rent, helping young people who are distanced from their families or communities to save money and prepare for future independent living by building up deposits for standard rentals. Several young residents have already begun making this crucial transition.

Urgent Repairs Needed to Sustain Operations

While the initiative has taken significant steps forward, the aging building has presented unforeseen challenges. Essential repairs are necessary for ensuring basic living conditions and the kitchen’s operation:

- Issues with plumbing have rendered the kitchen nearly unusable.
- The bathroom facilities are in disrepair, impacting the quality of living.
- Some areas suffer from insufficient air conditioning and hot water access.

Keeping this community hub operational for both the children and the young adults is at stake. Repairs for the kitchen alone are estimated to cost around 400,000 yen. Additionally, ongoing expenses such as rent, utilities, and maintenance costs complicate financial sustainability, especially with the crowdfunding deadline approaching fast.

Media Attention and Community Recognition

The endeavors of Commons Hikawadai have attracted media attention, being featured in the 'Tokyo News' column of the Tokyo Shimbun on July 2, 2026.

Summary of the Crowdfunding Initiative

- Project Name: Continuing the multi-generational space of Commons Hikawadai and its supportive shared housing for young adults
- Implementing Organization: Wakaichai Nerima
- Campaign Duration: March 15, 2026 - July 31, 2026
- Goal Amount: 3 million yen
- Current Status: 332,000 yen raised (Achieving only 11%)
- Funding Use: Operational costs (rent, utilities), repairs for aging facilities (kitchen, plumbing, HVAC)
- Support Methods: Credit card, bank transfer, and more
- Project Page: Commons Hikawadai Project

A Message from the Director

As the countdown to the deadline progresses, the need for assistance is more pressing than ever. The current fundraising landscape is challenging, and achieving the target is daunting. However, it is crucial that we do not allow children to lose a safe space and that young individuals have a chance at taking their next steps in life. We urge everyone to contribute and share this call for support. Your involvement can significantly change the future of Commons Hikawadai.

— Yoshiyuki Koda, Director of Wakaichai Nerima

About Wakaichai Nerima

Founded in 2021, Wakaichai Nerima operates under the mission of 'supporting those in crisis.’ The organization exists to aid individuals facing various life crises, including poverty and homelessness, primarily in Nerima. Besides running two shelters, Wakaichai Nerima is set to establish a community welfare center in 2024, aiming to expand support through initiatives like community kitchens and food banks. In 2026, they further established Commons Hikawadai, focusing on creating supportive environments for children and youth while offering a welcoming community space.