Rens (66) offers shelter to someone who would otherwise be homeless
."Actually, more people should do this"
."It all started by chance: a neighbor of mine, here in the Indian neighborhood, was getting divorced and asked me if I didn't know any housing. I actually had no idea. Yes, I did have a spare room, but taking someone in is not easy. Then he came up with Onder de Pannen and its construction. That made everything a bit more attractive. I was on welfare at the time, which of course is not a lot of money. So a little extra like that is nice. And you can also help someone.
Three in a row
.The contracts run for a maximum of one year, so when this new roommate moved out, they asked me if I didn't want another one in the house. That was fine with me and that too went well. So after that one finished his year, they asked again. To which I said: 'OK, but nothing first, then I'll look again'. Well, then two months ago they asked if a nineteen-year-old boy was also welcome. I don't care, as long as there is a click.
Every fart
I am now a pensionado, an AOW´er, and with this extra money I can go on vacation with the children. It does take a bit of privacy, because in these cottages you really hear every fart. Literally. But I'm doing well. I am quite flexible, towards myself and others. And yes, people sometimes say: 'How special that you are doing this'. Well ... Well. It is social and it feels good. There are ridiculously many people with multiple homes and there are still a lot of homeless people. Actually, more people should do this."
PS: In addition to his role as a social urbanite, Rens puts his heart and soul into working for a greener city. "With greening my neighborhood, the Flevopark and the city, I have been working for years. 'Green Neighbors Indische Buurt' is my initiative and I am also chairman of 'Friends of Flevopark'."
Text: Sander Kersten and Jola Gosen | Image: Tessa Posthuma de Boer
Do like Rens, rent out a room.