FROM THE STREETS TO GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT

The next step is often work. Not an immediate job - that is still too big a step for many participants - but first some form of day activities. Since 2025, T6 has offered supervised work activities. In 2025, about 65 residents of T6 participated in these day activities. For many participants, it is the first step back to a work routine. The activities are practical: clothing intake, trash picking and laundry, but the goal is bigger than the job itself. "It's about rhythm," says work supervisor Eelco van Damme. "Getting up on time, keeping appointments, working together. These are things that people have sometimes lost for a long time." When participants have regained some stability, Back2Work comes into the picture. This project of De Regenboog Groep helps EU citizens with a distance to the labor market to take steps toward employment again. In 2025, De Regenboog Groep guided 110 participants to a work route. As a result, 56 job interviews and 37 paid jobs were held. Trajectory coach David Wolkers sees how important the combination with T6 is. "If someone is already doing day activities with us, we can see if someone is motivated. And we dare to start a follow-up program."

Albert followed exactly such a trajectory. After a few weeks at T6, he started day activities. Then he came in contact with David. Together they worked on his next step. "We looked at what he can do and what he wants," David says. Through Back2Work, Albert got a job with the social firm Milieuwerk, a recycling company. "What I did find difficult at first," laughs Albert, "was the early getting up. But after a few weeks I got used to my new routine. I stuck with it and I'm proud of that. Now I have a permanent contract. I feel I am motivated, different from before. I want to move on; a family, a future. And that starts with work." Eelco: "With Albert, we quickly saw a difference. First he came to sleep, then for work. The rhythm gave him confidence again." Cristi nods, "Many people have gone through a long period of disappointments. They have lost jobs, lost homes, sometimes even contact with family. Work can slowly restore self-confidence. When someone earns a salary again and has colleagues, a lot changes. You see people grow again."

For Albert, Back2Work has changed his life. With what he earns, he is saving for a room of his own. Sometimes he thinks back to when he was living on the streets. "Then I thought it would never be right again," he says, straightening his hat once more. "Now I dare to dream of a future again."

13,000 Amsterdammers are homeless
. The ETHOS census shows that over 13,000 Amsterdammers are homeless. Of these, 10% are from another EU country, especially Poland, Romania and Hungary. But there are also people with German, Spanish or Italian papers.

1,773 EU citizens with problems knocked on the door of De Regenboog Groep
In 2025, 1,773 EU citizens with problems knocked on the door of De Regenboog Groep. They came to the Netherlands to work, but through bad luck, debt, addiction or psychological problems, they lost their jobs and homes. Without a stable foundation, it is then almost impossible to find work again.

De Regenboog Groep has been taking care of homeless EU citizens for years. Every month social workers see between 400 and 600 people, says Michael Sprokkereef, social work coordinator at De Regenboog Groep: "We have Dobre 020. That is a street team with social workers and experts by experience. In the walk-in centres people can go for a shower, food, a place to sleep and new clothes. Social work is also available there. For the more vulnerable people, shelter is available for up to six months, including, for example, psychiatric help, a detox program or entry into a methadone program."

Part of the assistance may also include assisted return to the country of origin. Sprokkereef: "We have now given some 300 people a return ticket. Such a return is always done in consultation. Sometimes someone no longer has ties with family or a place to stay. Under the label 'soft landing' we have built a network in Poland and Romania with local organizations that can assist returnees. Also if, for example, addiction care is needed."

Hire a migrant worker
. A major problem is that migrant workers from EU countries are largely dependent on rather shady employment agencies, Sprokkereef says. "The solution here would be for them to simply be employed. Then the gangsters can get out of the way and employers become responsible for taking good care of their employees. That could greatly reduce the dropout rate. Now these temp agencies make a lot of money, but when things go wrong we have to patch people up with community money." By now, the problem of homeless EU citizens is also much better understood nationwide, Sprokkereef notes, but when all is said and done, it is a European issue. "It is very nice that Amsterdam contributes to the reception in Poland and Romania. But it really shouldn't have to."

Offer EU citizens stable work
Despite wider national attention, the supply of aid remains too tight. The ETHOS census shows that the group is much larger than we can currently accommodate, Sprokkereef said. "Things have certainly changed, but to me it's still too slow. At De Regenboog Groep and other involved care parties in the city, things are still running over the shoes." He realizes that structural solutions are not easy. More affordable housing is not readily available and the necessary throughput in social care cannot be accelerated overnight either. In any case, more social work and short-term shelter is needed, Sprokkereef says. "And let's just make it much easier for these people to make their dream come true, which is to be able to work stably and earn their own money. That benefits everyone. Even the employers who are currently using a temp agency."

Text: Nicolline van der Spek | Photography: Mila van Egmond