The Clothing Bank in Hoogeveen is in trouble. The roof of the building is leaking and the rooms can no longer be heated properly. “As a result, we risk becoming homeless,” said a concerned secretary Johan Veenstra.
According to the organization, the roof of the building along the Fabrieksweg bends completely. That’s why when it rains hard, it leaks all over the place. “The clothes get wet and so do the storage boxes,” says Veenstra. “That means we have to throw away clothes. It’s a shame.”
The organization was created to give second-hand clothes to people who have less to spend. In total about thirty volunteers work there. Veenstra notices that the number of people passing by is increasing. They currently have about 700 registrations and more and more people are joining them.
“Energy prices are increasing and many people are getting into trouble as a result. Groceries have also become more expensive. We are really seeing more people coming to the clothing bank. It is a growing problem,” says the secretary.
That is why we are now busy looking for a new location. But that is not simple. The clothing bank does not earn any money and therefore cannot afford high rents. In addition, energy prices have risen sharply and are no longer affordable for the organization. “We still have some savings, so renting something for a few months is still possible. But after that? It will stop sometime,” says Veenstra.
He therefore places his hope in the church. “Perhaps they can think along with us. A place for the distribution point for Ukrainians has also been found. Perhaps there is a building available that we can use. If we can’t find a solution, we have to close the doors. That means that all thirty volunteers also stop. It should not come to that.”
Shelter is not the only problem facing the clothing bank. Due to an increase in visitors, more clothing is needed, but there is not always enough. Veenstra thinks that corona caused that. “Then everyone cleaned up their closet and many donations came in. Now that is a lot less.”
He hopes that people will continue to donate. “We will remain open until it is really no longer possible. Hopefully we can solve the problems as soon as possible.”