We are immediately expanding shelter for homeless people. Due to the ongoing winter weather, the demand for shelter is increasing. With the extra beds, we want to prevent people from having to sleep on the streets in the cold.
From Thursday, January 8, during these cold conditions, 80 extra beds are temporarily available in the sports hall of the Van Hogendorphal in Amsterdam-West. The Red Cross provides the beds. The Regenboog Group is present to shelter and guide people.
Not enough space in existing shelters
In recent days, it became clear that the existing shelters did not have enough space, even after adding 30 beds. With this extra location, we quickly increase shelter capacity.
Shelters open longer and extra street outreach
The shelters remain temporarily open longer, from 3:30 PM to 10:00 AM the next day. Outreach workers also go out on the streets more often. They approach people sleeping outside and help them to a shelter or walk-in center. Extra attention is given to people who are vulnerable or have difficulty walking.
‘No one should have to sleep on the street’
“This is not only necessary but also a matter of humanity,” says alderman Rutger Groot Wassink. “No one should have to sleep on the street during these harsh weather conditions. Our partners have already done everything possible in recent days to create extra spaces within existing shelters. With this extra shelter location, we offer homeless people a safe and warm place.”
Continuous winter shelter from December to April
From December 1 to April 1, Amsterdam already has continuous winter shelter for homeless people. This shelter offers 250 places and is intended for vulnerable people who have been staying in the region for a longer period and want to work on a future perspective.
Extra places during cold and extreme weather
When the perceived temperature drops below zero or during extreme weather, the winter cold scheme comes into effect. Then 250 extra shelter places are added. This number can increase to 288. With the 80 extra beds now, there are currently about 350 extra shelter places available.
We work together with partners
In the shelter, people receive a bed, a warm meal, and access to sanitary facilities. During the day, they can go to walk-in centers in the city. We organize the shelter together with Veldwerk, the Regenboog Group, HVO-Querido, the Salvation Army, and the Street Alliance.