Co-living “refers to buildings in which residents have their own lockable living and sleeping space but share a kitchen and other facilities”, according to smartcitiesdive.com. This would seem to make sense as an affordable housing option, but apparently is often prohibited by zoning.

These types of arrangements could also be set up by employers. In Asia, I get the sense that one reason unemployment and labor rates can both be low at the same time is that employers provide dormitories for workers who want or need them. It might not be glamorous, but if a relatively low-paying job comes with room and board, that could solve a number of economic and social issues that we don’t really seem to have much of an answer to here in the “western” world.