Winter shelter for homeless people reopening from December 1

From December 1, Amsterdam will reopen the winter shelter for homeless people. The shelter runs until April 1 and offers space for 250 people across 4 locations.

From December 1, Amsterdam will reopen the winter shelter for homeless people. The shelter runs until April 1 and offers space for 250 people across 4 locations. In extreme cold, 250 extra places become available through the winter cold scheme.

The winter shelter is for homeless people who have been living in the Amsterdam region for some time and want to work on their future. Last year, this led to a solution or future perspective for 156 people.

Extra shelter during cold: winter cold scheme

On Wednesday, November 19, the winter cold scheme starts because the perceived temperature will be around freezing point. The scheme applies in Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Rotterdam when the perceived temperature drops below 0 degrees and during extreme weather. During this period, 250 extra places are available without conditions. The scheme lasts at least 3 nights and can be used multiple times per winter.

Access to winter shelter

Homeless people can register for the winter shelter at the GGD. The GGD assesses whether they qualify. The shelter is open daily from 4:30 PM to 9:30 AM. Visitors receive a bed, a warm meal, and can shower. During the day, homeless people can visit various walk-in centers.

Improvements in the winter shelter

Based on annual evaluations, the winter shelter has been improved. Young adults up to 23 years always have access, and there is extra attention for people with reduced mobility. Locations are organized as much as possible by specific target groups, such as economically homeless, LGBTIQ+ people, families, young adults, and undocumented persons. Experienced experts work at all locations to help visitors take further steps in their living situation.

Investing in shelter and prevention

With the Strengthening Approach to Homelessness (2023-2026), Amsterdam is investing 62 million euros in shelter and prevention of homelessness. This amount consists of an annual contribution of 9.5 million from the National Action Plan on Homelessness and an additional 20 million euros from the municipality. The investment goes not only to extra shelter places but also to prevention, such as one-day social assistance, faster debt assistance, and short debt restructuring programs.

Alderman: Help beyond bed and meal to improve situation

Alderman Rutger Groot Wassink (Shelter): “Homelessness is a growing problem. Recent figures show that nearly 14,000 people are homeless in the Amsterdam-Amstelland region. Decreasing social security and the housing crisis affect more and more people, while national measures to tackle this problem are lacking. In Amsterdam, we invest in prevention and provide shelter throughout the winter. Together with our partners, we provide a bed, a meal, and help to improve their situation. This way, we prevent people from falling deeper into problems.”