Hans Wijnands (61) is director of De Regenboog Groep. In this regular column, he always talks to other Rainbowers. As a playful exception, we thought of: Hans in conversation with ...Hans. Writer Nicolline van der Spek asked the questions.
N: "You are boss of the Regenboog. Do you feel like the boss, too?"
H [laughs]: "Not at all. But strictly speaking, of course, I am."
N: "In other words, what would De Regenboog be without you?"
H: "Still a wonderful organization that stands like a house and where people are passionate about their work."
N: "What are your own ideals anyway?"
H: "The same as when I was an eighteen-year-old punk: every person deserves a fair chance."
N: "Is there a poignant story that has specifically stuck with you over the past few years?"
H: "I could think about that for a long time, but I don't think there's one story that stands out."
N: "You're not dumbing down, are you?"
H: "No way, on the contrary. As I get older, I notice that I actually become more sentimental. That seems to come with age."
N: "For over fifty years, De Regenboog Groep has been committed to helping the homeless. Have you ever asked yourself what it would be like to be homeless?"
N:.
H: "Very often. And I shouldn't think about it. Besides the warmth of a home, I would miss the security above all. At home you can be yourself and you don't have to do anything. Not being able to do that seems the hardest part of not having a home."
N: "De Regenboog was officially founded in 1975. Would you rather have been homeless then or now?"
H: "Then rather now. There are many more shelters for the homeless. On the other hand, there were more options on the margins in 1975. Amsterdam today is completely densely regulated."
N:"Would you like to say something in conclusion?"
H: "Yes, namely, that it frustrates me immensely that politicians talk about the housing crisis but do nothing to solve it."
Text: Nicolline van der Spek | Photo: Mila van Egmond | Final editing: Jola Gosen