Rijssen-Holten initiative helps young adults transition to independent living with community support
A new program in Rijssen-Holten pairs young adults aged 18-27 with local landlords to foster independence while offering support. Residents gain affordable housing and mentorship, while landlords contribute to their community—and often gain companionship in return.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Initiative Name | Rent and Neighbour |
| Location | Rijssen-Holten, Overijssel |
| Target Group | Young people aged 18 to 27 |
| Organizer | Agathos (part of Lelie Care Group) |
| Support Provided | Tailored assistance for both tenants and landlords, including trial periods |
| Eligibility for Landlords | Residents with suitable space |
| Contact | Agathos (informal chats available) |
The municipality of Rijssen-Holten, in collaboration with Agathos, plays a supportive role in addressing housing challenges for young adults. This initiative reflects the local government’s commitment to fostering independence and community engagement through practical solutions. Agathos, as part of the Lelie Care Group, specializes in youth care and social support programs.
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Rent and Neighbour Helps Young People Towards Independent Living
Sharing living space is more than just providing someone with a place to stay. In Rijssen-Holten, the initiative Rent and Neighbour helps young people aged 18 to 27 take the step towards independent living. At the same time, it offers residents who have suitable space the chance to do something valuable for someone else—and often for themselves as well.
“Some young people just need a little push in the right direction,” says Alderman Ben Beens. “Rent and Neighbour can be a great first step towards independence.”
A Safe Step Towards Independence
Rent and Neighbour is an initiative by Agathos, part of the Lelie Care Group. It brings together young people who need support to live independently and landlords who have space available.
The young person rents a room in someone’s home, with enough space for privacy and independence, but also with a supportive landlord nearby for practical questions. This often leads to warm, meaningful contacts.
“This initiative is all about the human touch,” says Margreth de Jong, youth care worker at Agathos. “We look at what suits each young person and landlord and what works best. It’s really about finding the right match between two people.”
Rent and Neighbour is flexible and personal. The coordinators at Agathos first have conversations with both parties to see who would be a good fit. This is followed by an introductory meeting where the tenant and landlord get to know each other and discuss their wishes and expectations.
“If either party decides not to proceed after that meeting, that’s perfectly fine,” explains Margreth. “If there’s a good connection and the match goes ahead, we check in with both parties again after about three months. We discuss what’s going well and what could be improved. That gives peace of mind: you’re trying it together, but without pressure.”
Support for Both Parties
Support is a key part of Rent and Neighbour. Both the young person and the landlord can count on tailored assistance.
Daan Agteresch, youth care worker at Agathos, says: “From the start, we’re involved with both parties. We look at what someone needs, how the living situation fits, and where we can offer support. Everything is customised: every young person and every landlord is different. That way, we can respond quickly and mediate effectively. For landlords, it means: you’re never alone in this.”
The initiative also ensures good conditions for a pleasant collaboration. For example, the young people taking part always have a daily structure, such as school or work.
Agathos assists with practical matters, such as making agreements about rent, the use of facilities, or discussing expectations regarding privacy. “The goal is to create peace, structure, and clarity,” says Daan.
What It Delivers
According to Alderman Ben Beens and youth care workers Daan Agteresch and Margreth de Jong, the strength of Rent and Neighbour is that it benefits both parties. “It helps young people on their way to independence, but it also gives landlords something beautiful in return,” says Ben Beens. “Many people enjoy having someone in their home. It creates a connection that’s valuable for both.”
Margreth recognises this too: “You really get to know each other. And if things don’t click at first, there’s always room for discussion. Everything happens in good contact with us as supervisors.”
Easy to Get Involved
Do you have space where a young person could live, and would you like to make a difference for the next generation in our municipality? Then Rent and Neighbour might be for you. “We always start with a conversation,” says Margreth de Jong. “We discuss what’s possible, what someone finds pleasant, and whether it suits the young person looking for a place to live. There’s also a three-month trial period.”
According to Alderman Ben Beens, the initiative offers landlords many benefits: “You’re doing something good for someone else, but you often get new energy and great conversations in return. It’s a small step that can make a big difference for a young person.”
Anyone with suitable space can register with Rent and Neighbour. Together, we can explore what’s possible and give young people a good start. Would you like to know more or have an informal chat? Feel free to contact Agathos. They’d be happy to think along with you.