‘People Truly Thrive at Casa-C’

Anyone entering the ground floor of the Waelestein residential care flat quickly sees which rooms belong to Casa-C: those with lilac walls, pink accents, and cheerful furniture. 

Casa-C invites residents to drop in. Whether for advice on debts, a question about a scheme, or just to chat. ‘Everyone is welcome,’ says Sher Molly (62), who co-founded it with Janet Neyhoft. The visitors include flat residents, including status holders and homeless people, and neighborhood residents. 

‘We have been here for almost a year and have nicely renovated our spaces,’ she proudly says during a tour of the building. ‘Like our little shop.’ She opens a room full of clothes, shoes, cabinets, tables, dishes, and childrens items. All donated by the neighborhood. Once a month, the doors open and everyone may take two items. ‘There are expensive items,’ she says while holding up a pair of new Uggs. ‘Sometimes the price tags are still on.’

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Grateful and relieved

Residents can also leave surplus items in the giveaway cupboard in the hall or take what they need. But Casa-C is more than a distribution point. ‘If people have questions or want help, they can go to the Helpdesk,’ she says at the kitchen table in the so-called warm living room. She helps residents who get stuck with tax returns, schemes, or DigiD applications. 

‘For a resident who had to go to the Food Bank, I arranged free public transport cards. Because she couldn’t afford the transport. I keep calling until I achieve something. It changed her life. People are very grateful and relieved. You see them thaw.’ 

People thrive here

Sher gets a call. ‘Are you coming for dinner? I’ll add you.’ After hanging up: ‘She was already on the list for Wednesday.’ Then residents sit at the neighborhood table in the living room for a 4-euro menu Sher prepares. ‘People truly thrive here. Sometimes I have to kick them out at night.’

Casa Baby 

There is also Casa Baby: a cheerful childrens room where parents chill and drink coffee while the children play. Those less mobile can message for a ride to the supermarket or hospital. Sher or her husband take the car. There are also activities like computer lessons, chair yoga, and craft afternoons. She also offers Casa-C as a learning place for interns. 

Do it with love

‘Yes, it’s a lot,’ Sher laughs. ‘But I do it with love. Together with Janet, I have been working for years to fight poverty. Why? We see people struggling in this neighborhood. Janet always worked in the Community Center and knows everyone. I was a social worker for years. With our experience, we can do a lot. 

Now I work as a language coordinator for a welfare organization in a completely different area. I do Casa-C voluntarily on the side. But I was also a single mother on welfare with 3 children and 2 jobs. So I really know the challenges!’

C for Charlois

I am very proud that we have our own place where we can offer help. Together with a very handy volunteer and the help of my husband, who does a lot for the foundation. And that the ‘C’ stands for Charlois, I don’t have to explain, right?’ 

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Cheque presentation

To thank Sher for her efforts for the city, alderman Abigail Norville (Poverty and Debt Assistance) visited her on Monday, February 23 to hand over a cheque for 500 euros. Sher is one of the winners of ‘Together Strong against Poverty and Debt.’ A project through which the municipality draws attention to residents organizing initiatives in their neighborhood to help Rotterdammers living in poverty. 

Nominate someone?

Do you know someone in your neighborhood who selflessly helps Rotterdammers with financial worries? Let us know and email geldzorgen@rotterdam.nl. Link opens an external page in a new browser tab..  

For more information, visit the Casa-C website. Link opens an external page in a new browser tab..