News item | 02-06-2022 | 9:00 am
State Secretary Van Ooijen (VWS), Minister De Jonge (BZK/VRO) and Minister Schouten (SZW) inform the House of Representatives about new plans for tackling homelessness in a letter. Housing will be the core of the new approach. In addition, there will be a greater correlation between the financial problems and homelessness. What is special about the new approach is that experts by experience play an important role. An additional 65 million euros per year will also be made available on a structural basis. The final plans will be presented to the House of Representatives at the end of this year.
State Secretary Van Ooijen: “It is a fundamental right that the government must provide adequate housing. The previous cabinet has made a good start. Now, together with my colleagues, I am going to take the next step that is structural in nature; someone who is homeless should not be taken care of in a homeless shelter, but we will provide a home as soon as possible. With the structural investment I want to fully commit to the prevention of homelessness and ensure that homeless people quickly get a roof over their heads.”
A home for everyone is a priority for the new cabinet. All relevant knowledge that was previously acquired will be incorporated in the new approach to homelessness. There will be a long-term approach to homelessness 2023-2030 in which there is an important role for experts by experience. Experiential knowledge plays an important role for the formulation of, but also for the testing of, the policy. The ministries of VWS, SZW, BZK and municipalities also collaborate with all other parties involved for the long-term approach.
Live first
Homeless shelters are known not to promote people’s recovery. In almost all cases, homeless people who stay in shelters are better off having their own place to live. In order to prevent human suffering and social costs, a place to live must be found quickly for these people.
That is why extra living spaces must be created in the Netherlands, also for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Minister De Jonge’s plan for ‘a home for everyone’ pays explicit attention to this group. Municipalities will include the need for housing, care and guidance in their residential care vision. We will also look at a home with the right guidance for homeless people.
Prevention
The new approach places more emphasis on prevention. Debt or health problems must be identified early; this can result in homelessness. It is important that these people receive the right support quickly. Getting there early and ensuring that problems do not worsen should prevent people from ending up on the streets.
In this area, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport cooperates with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. For example, there is cooperation in programs aimed at the prevention of money worries, poverty and debt. It has also been agreed in the coalition agreement that the cost-sharer norm will be changed and that young people up to the age of 27 will not count as cost-sharers for the benefit of housemates. This contributes to reducing homelessness among young people.
In the coming years, the government looks forward to working together with government partners, VNG, municipalities, housing associations, care providers, client and interest groups, experts by experience, scientists, funds, citizens and other relevant local and national (public and private) parties on the tackling homelessness.