What is it like to be or become economically homeless? The province of North Holland published a booklet containing seven personal stories from economically homeless people.
In this issue, the province also published a number of essays. These discuss homelessness, the “Housing First” principle, and the approaches taken by De Regenboog Groep and the municipality of Haarlem. The booklet also includes an article about the Ethos Count: a survey designed to determine how many people are actually homeless and where they spend the night.
Ger’s story is also included. He ended up at De Regenboog Groep. We highlight his story below. Curious about the entire booklet? Then scroll down a bit. Below Ger’s story, you’ll find the link to the full issue.
After fifteen years of homelessness, Ger (64) is waiting for a home
Ger has been homeless for fifteen years now, though he’s never really made a big deal out of it. The fact that he’s looking for a place to live again has to do with his grandson. Unfortunately, the boy is seriously ill, and it would give his daughter some peace of mind if he had a permanent place to live.
To find a place to live, Ger mainly has to wait until his birthday. In Amsterdam, many homes are designated as senior housing, and you become eligible for them once you turn sixty-five. He’s grateful for Evelien, his social worker at the De Regenboog Groep foundation. She’s helping him navigate all the regulations.
Fifteen years ago, after his divorce, Ger moved into his workshop in De Pijp. His ex-wife and daughter stayed in the house. In his workshop, he built a small bedroom measuring nine square meters. Ger ran a business repairing classic cars. He had to close it when his ex removed him from the household registry. He no longer had an official address and was therefore no longer allowed to be registered with the Chamber of Commerce.
He did, however, continue to live in the neighborhood. He has a number of places where he can go to sleep. For example, he is currently sleeping on a friend’s couch. He is registered at one of those addresses. Thanks to the municipality’s “Onder de Pannen” program, he qualifies for an exception to the cost-sharing rule. That’s the rule that reduces the housing benefit for the homeowner when someone moves in.
Ger has many solutions for the housing crisis.
In any case, he’s surprised by all the regulations in the Netherlands and the way the government treats people. “Why don’t they just give all vacation homes in the Netherlands a cadastral number and a residential permit?” he asks. That would solve the problems for many people.
Would you like to read the other personal stories and analyses on tackling economic homelessness? Then use the link below.