On April 10, over 50 organizations in Maastricht-Heuvelland will highlight homeless people. The goal is to gain insight into the actual size and nature of the group in our region. This highlighting occurs during the so-called ETHOS count, organized by Utrecht University of Applied Sciences and Kansfonds. In addition to our region, 52 other municipalities in the Netherlands are participating from the regions of Amsterdam-Amstelland, The Hague, Eindhoven, Maassluis, Vlaardingen & Schiedam, Noordkop, IJssel-Vecht, Zaanstreek, and the Valleiregio.
The ETHOS count took place earlier in 2023 and 2024 in other regions and is now considered the national standard for mapping homelessness. Utrecht University of Applied Sciences and Kansfonds started the ETHOS count two years ago because current statistics leave groups of homeless people hidden. For example, children, people over 65, and people without valid residency papers are missing. The same is true in our region. It is important to make this hidden homelessness visible in order to effectively tackle homelessness with good policy.
Mapping
On April 10, therefore, staff from municipalities, social care organizations, community centers, churches, housing corporations, healthcare institutions, and enforcement officers will map homeless people. This will be done using an extensive questionnaire. The diversity of counting organizations creates a more complete picture. The results of the third ETHOS count will be presented on October 8, two days before World Homeless Day, by Utrecht University of Applied Sciences and Kansfonds. The findings will be further used in our region to tackle homelessness.
The outcomes of the first two ETHOS counts showed that homelessness is diverse and affects very different people. “It is often thought that homeless people live on the streets or in shelters, but the largest group is forced to stay with family, friends, or at a campsite, in a car or shed. These people are not always visible, and we want to bring about change with the count. The first step towards a real home is insight,” says Eric Casters, project leader of the ETHOS count in Maastricht-Heuvelland.
Awareness
The count also promotes awareness among professionals, as has been shown in previous years. Alderman Jeroen Hoenderkamp: “Awareness in recognizing (impending) homelessness is an important first step in preventing and addressing homelessness. This is why the count is important for our region; on one hand, it provides us with insight into the numbers, and on the other hand, it offers more knowledge to create targeted policies and recognize homelessness as a professional in your daily work. Organizations wishing to participate in the count or seeking more information can register via ethostelling@maastricht.nl.”