BRING GOOD-QUALITY MEN’S CLOTHING TO OUR WALK-IN CENTRES
“Go to hell!” It’s quite a crude curse. And unfortunately, it’s a feeling that often creeps up on someone who is homeless. But the “clothes” referred to here are exactly what the homeless visitors to our walk-in centres need. Not only to stay warm and dry and protect themselves against the winter, but also because good clothing fosters self-esteem and a sense of identity. That applies to almost everyone—including “a homeless person.”
DRIVE
clothing in good enough condition that you could still wear it yourself
We ask everyone to bring good-quality, stylish men’s clothing to our walk-in centres. Think of: jeans, T-shirts, sweaters, jackets, boxer shorts, and socks. And shoes, too. What counts as “good clothing”? We always say: if you could still wear it yourself, it’s good enough to donate to someone else. Give it with love, and it will be sorted with just as much love at the walk-in centre.
In addition, we’re looking for sleeping bags that can withstand low temperatures. We don’t need women’s clothing. We have plenty of that, and the vast majority of homeless visitors to our walk-in centres are men.
DROP-OFF ADDRESSES
For a drop-off location near you, click on location overview. Select “walk-in centre, Huis v/d Wijk, and Buurtkamer,” and you’ll see on the map where to go and find the opening hours.
“A homeless person…” or “those homeless people…”
You hear people say it all the time. It sounds so distant, doesn’t it? And impersonal. As if that’s all you are: homeless. As if your entire existence can be reduced to that. And your whole character can be defined by it. No one means it that way. Still, we think it’s important to say: someone who is homeless is, first and foremost—just like everyone else—a person with a story. Far too often, this person goes unseen—on the street, by government agencies, or elsewhere.
“Being who you want to be—good clothing is part of that”
A person with a name
Site Director Kathleen Denkers: “At the walk-in centres of De Regenboog Groep, we give people back their names. On the street, they’re just ‘a homeless person.’ Here, we see the person, listen to what they want, and help people be who they want to be. Good clothing that suits them is part of that. It allows you to look your best, feel good about how you present yourself, and get closer to where you want to be in life.”
See below what the clothing Yassine received at our walk-in centre means to him and how some of our homeless visitors describe the walk-in centre they attend.
Don’t have any men’s clothing to donate, but still want to help?
You can easily donate any amount you choose.
- Transfer your donation to NL79 TRIO 0379 3155 64 — payable to De Regenboog Groep — reference: Clothing for homeless visitors
- Go to this page and easily donate online via iDEAL|Wero