Poverty, addiction, psychiatric problems or homelessness do not make a person less human according to The Regenboog Groep. The Regenboog Groep can be seen everywhere: the volunteer on the way to a buddy, the drop-in center in the neighborhood, the guest in the catering industry, you pass their sweeping team or perhaps even rent a room through them. The Regenboog Groep is everywhere in the city and is building a social community everywhere.

Example: economically homeless people

One of the projects of De Regenboog Groep revolves around the economically homeless. Marijn van der List, strategic policy advisor: “The number of economically homeless people is growing. They lose their home, for instance after a divorce. And because they’re not vulnerable enough for a place in a shelter, they end up on the street. We believe this has to change.”

“That’s why we always take a creative look at the possibilities offered by existing real estate. For example, we actively approach real estate owners, vacant property managers, public housing agencies and the municipality: do they have vacant properties that are suitable as temporary housing? This approach led to 170 people being housed in a former nursing home.”

“We also encourage people to rent out a room in their home. We act as an intermediary for rentals and help with the administration and contact with organizations such as the tax authorities and the municipality. So far 250 people have found a room this way. Other municipalities are showing interest in the approach we’ve been taking in and around Amsterdam and asking how we’re managing to achieve this. Similar projects are starting in several places, including Haarlem and the Amstelland region. We’re sharing our knowledge and experience: if everyone wants this, then we can make it happen.”

Photo above: Gerard was economically homeless. He now has temporary housing in a former nursing home.