The Province of Drenthe and the Municipality of Assen are launching Rooms with Attention, a new housing solution for young people aged 18 to 23 who are leaving youth care institutions and are not yet fully independent. This initiative temporarily connects young people with residents who have a spare room and are willing to offer some attention.
With the start of this project, the province and municipalities are implementing motion M 2024‑74, in which the Provincial Council calls to actively promote the Rooms with Attention initiative in Drenthe.
A room and a helping hand
Anyone can offer a Room with Attention: an attic room in a family home, a room with a single person or older couple, but also a place in a student house. The rent remains within the standards of the national rent commission and the room is rented for at least one year.
The young people receive guidance from their own caregiver. The personal attention from the landlord or housemate helps them build a stable network, something often missing when young people leave youth care. Deputy Yvonne Turenhout: “Many young people need a safe place to take the step towards independence. With Rooms with Attention, we strengthen the Drenthe way of looking out for each other.” Alderman Jan Broekema of the Municipality of Assen adds: “With Rooms with Attention, we not only provide young people with housing, but especially a chance to start their future firmly. In Assen, we stand beside our young people, precisely at the moment it matters.”
Pilot in the Assen Region
The start in the Assen region is a two-year pilot and also offers the municipalities of Aa en Hunze, Hoogeveen, Meppel, Midden-Drenthe, Noordenveld, Tynaarlo, Westerveld and De Wolden the opportunity to join. Stichting Kamers met Aandacht actively seeks rooms for young people aged 18-23 during this period. The goal is to guide young people to fully independent living by combining affordable housing with ambulatory support.
More information
People who have a room available and other interested parties can find more information at www.kamersmetaandacht.nl (refers to another website).