Extra winter cold shelter opened: 80 more sleeping places for homeless Amsterdam residents

Winter weather makes for atmospheric snow images, but for people experiencing homelessness, cold is life-threatening. A warm and safe place to sleep is now not a luxury, but a pure necessity. That's why 80 extra emergency shelters were opened today at the Van Hogendorf Hall in Amsterdam.

Since December 1, Amsterdam has had 250 permanent sleeping spots for people who normally sleep outside. These spots are spread across two locations. When the temperature drops sharply, the winter chill arrangement comes into effect, adding another 250 places. This shelter is run by HVO-Querido, the Salvation Army and De Regenboog Groep.

The persistent cold and high demand, however, mean that even this extra capacity is not enough. All 500 available spots were fully occupied in recent days. Additional cots have therefore already been added at several locations. We are not leaving anyone out in the cold.

In order to further improve the situation, the City of Amsterdam provided additional support today. Alderman Rutger Groot Wassink opened the Van Hogendor Hall, where 80 extra sleeping places are now temporarily available.

Employees and volunteers of De Regenboog Groep are ready to welcome people with warmth, coffee, a listening ear and, of course, a bed. In this way, together we are making sure that everyone gets through these winter days safely.