One-time volunteer activities

Homeservice offers people with mental health challenges practical assistance with everyday tasks in and around the home and garden. This includes refreshing walls with a coat of latex paint, installing laminate flooring, and tidying up, pruning, and cleaning neglected gardens. These tasks are planned and supervised by our experienced job coaches. We primarily work with people living near the subsistence level who do not have a support network that can offer assistance. Without Homeservice, these tasks often could not be tackled.

• When - Monday through Thursday, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• Where - The client’s house or apartment; this can be in any district of Amsterdam or in Diemen.
• Number of volunteers per activity - Up to 6 people at a time.
• Job budget - €750 to €1,000.
• Personal contribution - at least €50 per volunteer.
• Explanation - Because we work for people living at or near the subsistence level with practically no budget, donations toward materials for the project—such as paint, boards, and screws—are greatly appreciated.

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At our walk-in centres, we provide the homeless with their basic needs. This includes a healthy meal, coffee and tea, a hot shower, clean clothes, and whatever else we can do to help them cope with the hardships of life on the street and give them a chance to get back on their feet. Our visitors usually have nothing left and depend on the walk-in centre. For them, this is a place to rest for a while without being rushed. On the street, they’re “just a homeless person.” Here, we see the person.

• When - Every Tuesday and Friday, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Where - Makom Walk-in Centre, Van Ostadestraat 153, Amsterdam.
• Number of volunteers - Maximum of 10 people at a time.
• Cooking budget - €250 for the meal.
• Personal contribution—at least €50 per volunteer.
• Explanation - To keep our walk-in centres running, we rely on donations from supporters, which is why we ask for a contribution toward the meal and an additional donation.

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In addition to meeting the basic needs of the homeless at our walk-in centres, we do everything we can to help them cope with the hardships of life on the streets. For the homeless, the walk-in centre is a place to rest for a while without being rushed. A place to relax together and be seen as human beings. Of course, entertainment also helps create a warm atmosphere and provides some relief. That’s why we’re looking for people who can put on a live music performance. Whether you come to perform solo with your guitar, with your band, or with a group of colleagues or friends—we’d love to have you!

• When - Any day of the week except Tuesday, starting at 1:00 p.m. (max one hour). The activity can take place once a month.
• Where - Oud West walk-in centre, Bilderdijkstraat 182, Amsterdam.
• Number of volunteers per activity - Up to 5 people at a time.
• What to bring - The necessary instruments and other equipment, and perhaps some snacks to make it a fun afternoon of music. Additionally, a monetary donation to help us continue our work at the walk-in centre is, of course, always very welcome, but certainly not required.
• Explanation - To keep our walk-in centres running, we rely on donations from supporters, which is why we ask that you bring some snacks. Only if you’re able to, of course—otherwise, we’ll manage just fine.

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Call the Oud West walk-in centre at 06 82 06 26 49

Helping with the big cleanup at the walk-in centre, together with the staff and volunteers

At our walk-in centres, we provide the homeless with their basic needs. This includes a healthy meal, coffee and tea, a hot shower, clean clothes, and whatever else we can do to help them cope with the hardships of life on the streets and give them a chance to get back on their feet. Our volunteer visitors can take on all kinds of tasks in and around the walk-in centre, which keeps them busy and engaged. Many walk-in centre visitors have absolutely nothing else and are completely dependent on the centre. So it’s nice to work together with them to keep this place well-maintained, so it truly feels like their own little haven. A few times a year, the Oud West walk-in centre holds a major cleanup. It’s a huge job that often can’t be finished in a single day. That’s why we’re looking for helping hands.

• When - Tuesdays only, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dates to be arranged. This activity takes place about four times a year.
• Where - Oud West walk-in centre, Bilderdijkstraat 182, Amsterdam.
• Number of volunteers per activity - Max 8 people at a time.
• What to bring - It would be greatly appreciated if you could bring cleaning supplies and any other necessary items (to be discussed). Additionally, a monetary donation to help us continue our work at the walk-in centre is, of course, always very welcome.
• Explanation - To keep our walk-in centres running, we rely on donations from supporters; that is why we ask that you bring the necessary supplies and, if possible, make an additional donation.

Want to sign up or have questions?

Call the Oud West drop-in center at 06 82 06 26 49

At Villa Buitenlust, people can access two types of respite care: respite care (to promote the guest’s mental stability) and overnight stays (to provide rest for both the guest and the caregiver). Close to the city, yet secluded in nature, people can come here to catch their breath. Project leader Eva: “At first glance, ‘normal’ people stay here, but if you look a little deeper, you’ll find a lot of vulnerability and little resilience. We help rebuild that resilience a little bit. We welcome anyone who needs a break.” Help Villa Buitenlust tackle one of the following three projects.

• Activity – Sprucing up the garden. To make it appealing to go outside again in the spring, it’s high time to give the place a good spruce-up. This includes: spreading fresh wood chips, pruning trees, and creating gathering spots. The benches and picnic tables could also use a fresh coat of paint.
• When - In March, at least 4 hours, but preferably a full day.
• Where - Villa Buitenlust, Spaarndammerdijk 319A.
• Number of volunteers needed - 5 to 10 people.
• Budget - TBD.
• Personal contribution - at least €50 per volunteer.
• Notes - The budget covers materials for the project, such as gardening tools and paint. Of course, everyone will also be provided with coffee, tea, and a well-deserved bowl of soup with a sandwich.

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• Activity 2 - Renovating Villa Buitenlust. This includes the 10 bedrooms, gym, and other indoor and outdoor spaces.
• When - Flexible (whenever there’s a job to be done)
• Where - Villa Buitenlust, Spaarndammerdijk 319A.
• Number of volunteers - 5 to 10 people.
• Project budget - €750 to €1,000.
• Personal contribution - at least €50 per volunteer.
• Explanation - The budget is for materials, and the personal contribution is a donation to Villa Buitenlust.

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Our Group Activities department aims to get people out of their homes by offering accessible activities. These are free or available for a very small fee. The goal is to help people enjoy a pleasant afternoon or evening where they can have a chat or engage in social interaction in a relaxed setting. This may help them forget their burdens and worries for a while. This involves a very diverse group of vulnerable Amsterdammers who, for various reasons, have become socially isolated.

Organize a dinner

• Organize a dinner party for 25 people (cook a three-course meal). Dinner parties are always a hit because everyone has to eat anyway, and good food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive—as long as it’s made with love and care. Our target group often lacks a social circle or the means to celebrate special occasions. That’s why it’s fun to give this dinner a theme. Think of an Easter brunch, an asparagus meal, or a winter, summer, or Christmas dinner.
• When - On a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Where - Derde Schinkelstraat 9, Amsterdam.
• Number of volunteers per activity - 5 to 8 people.
• Cooking budget - €350.
• Personal contribution - at least €50 per volunteer.
• Details - Groceries must be purchased for a delicious and healthy three-course meal for 25–30 people. In addition, part of the budget will be spent on napkins, tablecloths, flowers, themed decorations, etc., and we ask for an additional donation so we can organize these types of activities more often.

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• A morning or afternoon outing with 10–15 Amsterdam residents who are feeling lonely. Think of a trip to the beach or the woods, a visit to Artis Zoo or a museum, a fun bowling outing together, a boat ride through Amsterdam’s canals, or a creative workshop. After years of experience, we know what our target group enjoys. We’ll tailor the exact details to the season and, of course, your input as the organizing company. This activity can be customized in consultation with you, and you’ll ensure that everything runs smoothly and everyone finds the social connection they’re looking for.
• When — A half-day on a weekday (depending on the chosen activity).
• Where — In or around Amsterdam.
• Number of volunteers - 4 to 6 people.
• Budget - Between €300 and €500 (depending on the activity).
• Personal contribution - at least €50 per volunteer.
• Explanation - The costs cover admission tickets, travel expenses, and a snack and a drink. We also ask for an additional donation so we can organize these types of activities more often.

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