A new residential care facility for vulnerable young people will be built in Breda. From September, 25 homeless young people will have a place to work on their future at Muiderslotstraat 152. Reactions in the neighborhood vary. Some residents show understanding, others are concerned. “But if they behave, there’s nothing to worry about.”
The homeless young people stay between six and eighteen months in the GGZ Breburg building, which is located in the IJpelaar residential area. The project is a three-year pilot during which the clients also receive intensive guidance. “With this facility we not only offer these young people a place to live, but above all an opportunity to continue building their future,” says councilor Arnoud van Vliet.
“As long as there is no nuisance, I have no problem with it.”
In the street itself, where the Breburg mental health institution is located, there is understanding. Local resident Anky is not very concerned. “I don’t really have a problem with it, as long as there isn’t much inconvenience,” she says. “These young people also need to be helped.”
Her namesake on the other side of the street is also positive. Ankie works in psychiatry herself and sees the importance of good care. “It’s terrible that young people have to live on the streets,” she says. “Everyone deserves a chance for help. However, she emphasizes that clear agreements are necessary. “Peace and safety in the neighborhood must be properly monitored.”
Local resident Steffie agrees. She also expects few problems. “I have never had any problems with the mental health institution across the street,” she says. “Sometimes they sit on a bench and fool around and once one was walking around naked. But my cat is always very sweetly petted by people. There is plenty of space here in the neighborhood, so I think the reactions are not too bad. Keep those young people coming, the more the merrier.”
“I can’t imagine that everyone thinks this is a good idea.”
Yet not all residents are reassured. Local resident Frank is critical. “I’m not happy about it,” he says. “There are still 25 people with problems in a residential area.” According to him, such a facility is better at a location outside the neighborhood. “People can recover more peacefully there.”
He expects that more local residents will have difficulty with it. “I can’t imagine that everyone thinks this is a good idea,” he continues. He also fears inconvenience. “I think it’s going to get busier and you’re going to see things that you weren’t looking forward to. Like dealers and such.”
Another local resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, is caught in the middle. “I find it difficult,” she says. “Of course you want people to be helped, but I am also afraid. She points out that the neighborhood is quiet now. “You would like to keep it that way.”
The municipality tries to remove these concerns by informing local residents and making agreements about management and safety. There will be an information meeting for the neighborhood, among other things. Local resident Anky expects that mainly critical voices will be heard there. “I think this mainly attracts people who have their doubts or who think: I don’t want this, and then want to make themselves heard.”
The first young people will be placed in phases from September. The shelter is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026.
