Doetinchem greenlights 24/7 homeless shelter with regional cooperation plans
Doetinchem's municipal council has approved a new day and night shelter for homeless residents at Amphionstraat, offering 24 beds and additional winter capacity. The decision follows extensive local consultations and aims to improve support while addressing safety and regional distribution concerns.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Amphionstraat 1-3, Doetinchem |
| Night shelter capacity | 24 (plus 8 extra in winter) |
| Day shelter | Yes, available |
| Implementation | IrisZorg |
| Open meeting attendees | Nearly 100 local residents, entrepreneurs, and organizations |
| Final decision | Mid-March 2026 (executive board) |
| Regional cooperation | Achterhoek-wide distribution of shelter places |
| Neighborhood committee | Residents, police, entrepreneurs, and social organizations involved |
The municipality of Doetinchem is responsible for local welfare policies, including homelessness support and social infrastructure. As a local government body, it coordinates with regional partners and service providers like IrisZorg to ensure safe and accessible facilities for vulnerable residents.
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Municipal council approves social shelter at Amphionstraat
The municipal council of Doetinchem has approved on 26 February the plan for day and night shelter for homeless people at Amphionstraat 1-3. With this decision, the municipality takes an important step in providing appropriate support to residents who temporarily have no fixed place of residence. In mid-March, the executive board of mayor and aldermen will make a final decision on the plan.
The shelter will be located in the front part of the building on Amphionstraat and will offer 24 night shelter places, along with day shelter. In winter, an additional 8 night shelter places will be provided due to the cold. The guidance and implementation will be handled by IrisZorg, an organisation with extensive experience in social shelter and guidance.
Careful consideration
Prior to the decision-making process, extensive discussions were held with local residents, entrepreneurs and involved organisations. During an open meeting on 21 January, nearly 100 visitors attended to inform themselves and share their questions and concerns. Topics included safety, liveability, communication and participation.
The municipal council took all received feedback – both positive and critical – into account in the final decision. After careful consideration of interests, the council decided to approve the plan. The council also adopted a motion. In this motion, the council states that social shelter is not solely the responsibility of Doetinchem. In consultation with the region, efforts must also be made to accelerate the proper distribution of shelter places across the Achterhoek.
With this decision, the council underscores the importance of good shelter facilities within the municipality of Doetinchem. The council also considers it important that good agreements are made with the surrounding area regarding management and safety.
Working together for a smooth integration
The municipality and IrisZorg consider it important that this facility is carefully introduced in good consultation with the surrounding area. For this reason, a neighbourhood management committee will be established. In this committee, residents, social organisations, entrepreneurs, Buha, police, IrisZorg and the municipality will work together on concrete agreements regarding, for example, supervision, management of the outdoor space and – where possible – adjustments to the building, such as the location of the entrance. In this way, we will continue to engage in dialogue with the surrounding area and there will be room to discuss signals in a timely manner and adjust where necessary.
More information
In mid-March, the executive board will make a final decision. After this decision, we will inform the immediate surroundings about the next steps. Would you like to stay informed? The latest information is always available at doetinchem.nl/amphionstraat. Do you have any questions? Please contact the municipality at (0314) 377 377 or email gemeente@doetinchem.nl.