The Municipality of Almere, with a contribution from the national endowment fund Fonds Nuts Ohra (FNO), has helped Almere families facing financial difficulties over the past two years. The pilot involved 21 families. With support from a family supporter, the impact on society of increased financial peace within families was examined.
Because the results were positive, the pilot is continuing under a new name: Geldrust Almere. Thanks to a contribution from Fonds FNO, another 100 Almere families with financial stress will be helped over the next five years. The guidance of families is provided by professionals from the city, ensuring alignment with existing neighborhood support services. Care providers can refer families, and eligibility for Geldrust Almere is assessed.
“We see that people know very well what they need to regain their strength and become independent again. A little support at the right moment can, as this pilot shows, truly change families lives. That is why we are continuing this in Almere,” said alderwoman Nienke Nieuwenhuizen.
The pilot shows that intensive guidance and temporary financial support help. The families face problems in many areas. Their lives have become so complicated that only intensive help can restore overview and calm. In almost all families, the situation improved. The investment made yields more benefits to society than it costs.
Empowering Families
“For example, by providing money for driving lessons and obtaining a drivers license, a mother in one family was able to return to work, increasing the family income,” said project leader Noor Waardijk. “In another family, a parent followed an MBO course combining work and study, which the family previously could not afford. This now provides better job prospects.”
In both cases, the gift empowered the family to take control. Some families received monthly gifts to ensure food, others were helped to pay off small debts. This reduces stress and increases stability.
According to the Social and Cultural Planning Office (SCP), 1 in 10 parents face a combination of problems, where financial stress is accompanied by concerns about their childrens development, health issues, or housing problems. This also occurs in Almere, with families facing difficulties caused by the government system, such as the benefits scandal or poorly coordinated systems. Problems accumulated for these families.
Family Panel of Experienced Parents
New is the establishment of a Family Panel: parents with lived experience who advise the municipality on poverty and youth policy, both solicited and unsolicited. Some parents from the pilot will provide advice so that their experiences can be learned from.
