On April 8, 85 organizations in the Eindhoven region will participate for the first time in the ETHOS count. The aim is to gain insight into the actual extent and nature of the group of homeless and home-less individuals. This marks an important step towards reliable figures for an effective approach to homelessness.
In one day, all people experiencing homelessness will be counted in the region. This provides a realistic picture of the target group of homeless individuals. The ETHOS count brings to light not only actual homelessness but also hidden homelessness.
Councilor Samir Toub (Eindhoven): Homelessness is an issue across the region, but many people remain invisible. They may temporarily stay with friends or not seek help. To truly make a difference, we first need to understand who they are and what they need. That’s why it’s crucial to map this out accurately; only when we see it can we address it.
Hidden Homelessness
The results of two previous ETHOS counts in the country showed that homelessness is diverse and affects many different people. It is often thought that the largest group resides on the streets or in shelters, but that is not the case, says Robin Heijna, project leader of the ETHOS count at Utrecht University.
Homelessness is often hidden: not everyone sleeps outdoors or in shelters. Many people temporarily stay with family or friends, in a car, caravan, or in other places that are not visible. The ETHOS count aims to map all these different situations. This is necessary to provide the right solutions for homeless individuals in our region and also to prevent homelessness.
More Complete Picture
Various organizations, community centers, housing corporations, care institutions, and enforcement officers are mapping homeless individuals. The diversity of counting organizations creates a more complete picture. Sufficient support and proper cooperation between all parties prevent people from falling through the cracks and not being counted. One of the organizations participating is Ervaring die Staat. Leon Bakermans: By gaining a clear picture of homeless individuals, you can adjust policies to assess: what can we do to help these people and also prevent homelessness in the future?
Count with Us
The Eindhoven region has expressed the ambition to significantly reduce the number of people in situations of homelessness. This is outlined in the Regional Action Plan for Homelessness 2024-2030. As part of the action plan, the Eindhoven region is participating in this ETHOS count. Participating municipalities include: Bergeijk, Best, Bladel, Cranendonck, Eersel, Eindhoven, Geldrop-Mierlo, Heeze-Leende, Nuenen c.a., Oirschot, Reusel-de Mierden, Son en Breugel, Valkenswaard, Veldhoven, and Waalre.
This year, over 650 organizations in 9 regions across the Netherlands will count homeless and home-less individuals on April 8 and 10. Utrecht University and Kansfonds are organizing this count for the third time.
Organizations can still register until April 8 to participate in the count. Registration can be done via eindhoven.nl/ethos.