In 1978, AMOC was founded because the finances of the Deutsche Hilfsverein (DHV) were not sufficient to deal with the growing numbers of stranded drug users. After forty years, AMOC is still the point of contact for EU nationals without the right to help, who do need help.
Changing issues in Amsterdam
.
Intravenous administration of heroin (syringes) is still relatively rare. And since the first user room saw the light of day twenty years ago, not a single fatal overdose has occurred in such a room. For hard drugs, tourists haven't had to come to Amsterdam for a long time. So what does AMOC's "clientele" look like now? What problems are solved in this walk-in centre on Stadhouderskade? Among the current group of people with problems, alcohol and psychiatric problems play more of a role than before, it seems. And the pull of Amsterdam is no longer hard drugs, but work.
Aukje Polder, site manager of AMOC: "I think that if we want to attract so many labor migrants, we should also take responsibility for that small group that, for various reasons, does not manage to connect and ends up on the streets. We are making a positive contribution to the city. I hope that the municipality will continue to see this and that we will have the necessary support to keep doing our job in the decades to come."
Social worker at AMOC, Cristi Vasilescu, offers us a discreet, anonymized glimpse into the problems he and his colleagues face with these groups. And the solutions they have been able to provide at AMOC.
Man, 52 from Romania
.
What problems did he come to AMOC with?
Reported by police. Man was sleeping at Amsterdam CS for several days after he had consumed a lot of alcohol and ended up in a police cell because of confused behavior. Once sober, we were able to talk to him and work towards a solution.
What were we able to do for him?
We took him into the night shelter, held discussions and offered information about work and opportunities. Client started work after a week through temp agency as an electrician, the trade for which he has a degree and a lot of experience.
Man, 57 Romania
.
What problems did he come to AMOC with?
Homelessness, alcohol abuse, somatic complaints, no income.
.
What were we able to do for him?
Man ended up in our crisis shelter. Then referred to the family physician for homelessness. We initially mediated between him and the doctor. Then we were able to give him advice and guidance for income (partly work, partly benefits). He received support in the pathway for long-term shelter. Now he is still homeless, but has his alcohol use under control, follows medical treatment for somatic complaints, is insured and has a basic income.
Man, 34 from Poland
.
With what problems did he come to AMOC?
Psychiatric problems and drug and medication abuse. Homeless, confused and neglected, lost identity documents.
What were we able to do for him?
Access to short-term care, travel documents created and paid for (courtesy of municipal funding), through partner organizations in Poland a care pathway was started. Then client was taken by supervisor to shelter in Poland where he completed a detox program. Now he is in a rehabilitation center in Poland.
Man, 26 from Romania
.
What problems did he come to AMOC with?
Homeless, problems with soft drugs and with psychiatric history. Looking for regular work and an existence. Later referred back to us through psychiatry after crisis treatment of a psychosis.
What were we able to do for him?
Advice around work opportunities and regulations, mediate between him and doctors. We also keep his medication so that he takes it as agreed and keeps his appointments.
Man, 40 from Poland
.
What problems did he come to AMOC with?
Homeless; alcohol abuse; lost identity documents, physical complaints, problems with the justice system and a stranded reintegration process.
What have we been able to do for him?
Temporary night and day care in period when he stopped alcohol and received medication for it (medication paid by us, thanks to funds). We arranged documents through the Polish consulate and offered him volunteer work. When the situation stabilized (no alcohol, documents) we advised him where he could look for work. Now client is employed through employment agency, has a place to stay and is insured. He takes medication against relapse alcohol and does not drink a drop. We remain in contact with him.