The unprecedented influx of migrants in Europe during the reception crisis of 2015 posed profound challenges for local communities, including several municipalities in Geneva. While these arrivals often evoked fear and discrimination, they also sparked a remarkable response of solidarity and spontaneous mobilization among residents, who came together to provide support and assistance. Through self-organization facilitated by local public meetings and social networks, various welcoming practices emerged within these Genevan municipalities.

This urban sociological research delves into the intricate processes through which these spontaneous welcoming groups effectively organized themselves to foster trust and nurture a sense of belonging among the settled migrants. Employing a comprehensive methodological approach encompassing digital ethnography, archival research, and qualitative interviews, the study examines the strategies and mechanisms employed by these groups to establish and cultivate trust amidst the crisis. The findings shed light on the complex dynamics of trust-building and social cohesion during times of adversity, offering valuable insights into the sociological aspects of welcoming practices within the urban context of Geneva.