In the summer of 2015, Europe faced a significant influx of migrants, presenting a considerable challenge for many cities, including Geneva. Fear and discrimination were often common responses to these arrivals. Yet, amidst these difficulties, a heartening wave of solidarity and collective action emerged, with local 'ordinary' inhabitants banding together to support these people in need. Quickly organizing themselves by public meetings and social networks, dozens of Geneva residents formed spontaneous welcome groups.

Using a digital ethnographic approach, this research investigates a group of 'ordinary' inhabitants located in the canton of Geneva who were particularly active during the 2015 reception crisis. Specifically, the study examines how these spontaneous welcome groups self-organized to create a sense of belonging among newcomers in the city. To answer this question, I used digital archival research and qualitative interviews to analyse data collected from two Facebook groups managed by the welcome group under investigation: one public and the other private.

The results of data analysis contribute to the literature on intangible urban commons or 'new commons,' bottom-up urban practices, and the literature on welcome groups within the framework of migration studies, providing a compelling perspective on the strength of bottom-up approaches in times of crisis. Moreover, this investigation sheds light on how these spontaneous welcome groups employed digital space to self-organize, creating a trustful environment that fostered a sense of belonging among the migrants who had temporarily settled in the municipality. In conclusion, these findings are particularly relevant for policymakers and practitioners supporting and promoting social inclusion in urban areas, especially in our current mobile digital era.