Rachel Streefland, Alderman for Social Shelter and Protected Living: “The figures show that the number of homeless people is growing tremendously. And although we are glad that with this new location we can accommodate more people in a vulnerable position, it remains bitter that this form of shelter is necessary.” 

Collaboration of Major Cities
The cold weather arrangement with a sleeping place for homeless people is an existing initiative of the four major municipalities. If the perceived temperature drops below 0 degrees or if the KNMI warns of extreme weather, such as a storm with code red, the GGD’s of the four major cities jointly determine when the arrangement starts. The aim is to ensure that no one has to sleep outside in cold or extreme weather and to limit health damage.

EU Labor Migrants
“We know: offering extra shelter places is not the right solution. We must especially look at how people become homeless and tackle this at the source. For example, for EU labor migrants: the Dutch economy runs on cheap labor – what do we (and especially: what does the employer) do in return for them? EU labor migrants sometimes work under appalling conditions in sectors such as distribution, meat processing, or the agricultural sector, without visibility or knowledge of their rights in far-reaching flexible constructions. This must, and can, be different,” according to Streefland.

During the cold weather period, employees of the Tussenvoorziening, Stichting Barka, and Meldpunt Perspectief talk to the guests to guide them to work, housing, and appropriate care. A total of 127 people were assisted in returning to their country of origin, finding a job with accommodation, or appropriate (mental) health care.