Homelessness is Broader Than Expected
The figures show that homelessness is not only visible on the streets but that people also stay in holiday parks, cars, and on couches. These forms of hidden homelessness are vulnerable and uncertain. It concerns people who have lost their homes due to misfortune - such as divorce, job loss, illness, or debt. It also concerns people with mental health issues or addiction.
In the central shelter De Herberg, one in four people is economically homeless: they have no care needs but simply no home. Labor migrants also lose their housing when they lose their jobs.
Women with children who become homeless represent an especially vulnerable group. Their situation is precarious due to the scarcity of suitable shelters for families, and the stability of children is under pressure. They often stay with family or friends, in temporary shelters, institutions, vacancy management, or in a holiday home or caravan.
Homelessness Can Happen to Anyone
Eight years ago, Bass life (45 years) changed completely. After a prison sentence, he was on the streets. For a year and a half, he then slept in De Herberg, the night shelter in Zwolle. Now he lives independently and works hard on a new life. “People often think: only criminals or junkies are in De Herberg. But there are also many ordinary people. For example, I met a father who was there with his daughter because he couldnt find a place after a divorce. Or people who got into trouble due to debts. Then you really see that homelessness can affect anyone.”
*Name is fictional for privacy reasons.
What Stands Out by Municipality?
With 706 people, Zwolle has the most homeless individuals in the region. As the largest city, this is partly logical: most shelters and care institutions in the region are located here. The people in these institutions are counted for Zwolle but often come from one of the regional municipalities. Zwolle is also the only municipality where people have actually been counted on the streets.
In Steenwijkerland, 188 homeless individuals have been counted, and in Ommen, 157 people. Many of them stay in non-conventional living spaces, such as holiday parks. These situations are referred to as homelessness. Not all municipalities have succeeded in getting these people on the radar.
In Kampen(114 people) and Hardenberg(39 people), the group is spread over multiple accommodation places: temporary shelters, institutions, staying with family or friends, and anti-squatting or vacancy management.
Zwartewaterland, Dalfsen, and Staphorst
In the municipalities of Zwartewaterland, Dalfsen, and Staphorst, between 8 and 42 homeless individuals have been counted. This shows that homelessness is not only an urban problem but also occurs in smaller municipalities. Because people primarily stay with family, friends, or in the local network, it is often less visible here. Nevertheless, we also see people from these areas ending up in emergency or temporary shelters outside their municipality.
The ETHOS survey not only provides us with figures but also insights into the world behind them. The figures are an indication - the actual number is likely higher. The survey shows that homelessness is a complex problem that many different organizations deal with. The survey has brought these organizations closer together and shows that collaboration is essential. We collaborate not only with organizations but also with residents themselves and the people around them. Because if we really want solutions to work in the long term, they must fit how people live. This means we must remain flexible and continue to look together at what is needed.
The Housing Supply Must Be Increased
The housing shortage is a significant cause of long-term homelessness. People are forced to remain in shelters or institutions, such as supported living, youth care, mental health care, and asylum reception, while they are actually ready for independent living. Waiting lists are growing, shelters are overcrowded, and there is insufficient housing to facilitate proper flow.
But even after finding a home, guidance is crucial. A stable living place requires more than just a roof over your head. Access to knowledge, a network, and trust in caregivers are at least as important. With appropriate support and aftercare, the chance increases that people retain their housing and regain control over their lives.
Homelessness can affect anyone. Therefore, we work as a region on solutions that fit locally. We do this based on four pillars:
- Prevention: early detection, assistance with financial problems, preventing evictions.
- Housing First: a home of ones own with possible assistance at home. Temporary living forms as a stepping stone.
- Appropriate Shelter: small-scale, temporary, in the neighborhood. Focused on rapid flow. We ensure shelter and living places close to home where possible.
- Tailored Assistance: as light as possible, as intensive as necessary. With aftercare and expertise from experience.
To strengthen this joint task, we build on existing initiatives and develop a coherent regional approach. There are already various initiatives, such as Rooms with Attention, Protected Home, agreements with housing corporations about outflow, and various housing care projects.
Concrete Steps Towards Solutions by the End of 2026
- Prevent evictions
- Properly guide young people around their 18th birthday
- Work with corporations to find housing solutions
- Faster flow from shelters
- Organize local guest and time-out places
- Create a clear menu for housing and assistance
- At least six months of aftercare after moving
- Experts by experience get a fixed place in our approach
National Perspective
“The third counting round confirms the picture from earlier ETHOS surveys: the group of homeless people is very diverse,” says Annabel Scheepers, researcher at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences. “It concerns men, women, young people, and children.”
The ETHOS survey also represents a breakthrough nationally. For the first time, large cities have been included, which provides a more realistic picture of homelessness in the Netherlands. In 2026, 11 regions will participate, accounting for 96 municipalities. After four counting rounds - with a total of 219 of the 342 municipalities - a reliable national picture will emerge. By repeating the survey every four years, it will be visible whether policies have an effect and whether homelessness actually decreases.
Conclusion
The urgency is great. As a region, we face the task of reducing homelessness and focusing on prevention. This requires collaboration, customization, and perseverance. We face a clear assignment.
Highlighted text: All results per region are here to read.
