A few years ago, 72-year-old Annemiek Hoogers saw a message in the newspaper about Kamers met Aandacht, a non-profit organization that links vulnerable young people to people with an extra room at home. It immediately sparked her interest, so she signed up for an information evening.
Annemiek: “I live alone in a single-family home and had an entire attic space that was vacant, which even contains a kitchen. I thought: if I can offer someone who desperately needs it a safe, stable place here, why wouldn’t I? doing?” When she heard that she would also receive rent for it, she was convinced. “The knife cuts both ways!”
New roommate
Since May 2024, she no longer lives alone, but with 20-year-old Ivar van Worcum. He was previously in a difficult home situation. He did not have a good relationship with his family, but living on his own was also difficult. He needs extra guidance, for example with planning.
“My mother and I are very similar. That sometimes clashed enormously. But leaving home wasn’t an easy option either. Nowadays it’s not easy to get a room, especially if you need extra guidance. For me, Rooms with Attention is therefore the ideal solution,” says Ivar. In his new home, someone comes by once every two weeks to guide him and provide mental support.