Guests and volunteers of the Warme Huiskamer celebrate New Year’s Eve together in Bovensmilde. Because no one has to be alone in Bovensmilde during the holidays and the rest of the year.
Is it one to twelve, exactly twelve o’clock or one past twelve? The watches do not run at the same time in the Warm Living Room, so they choose their own moment to celebrate the new year. When the cork pops off the champagne bottle with a good pop, the moment has arrived: ‘Happy New Year!’
Those present enjoy having a drink together, playing a game of shuffleboard and, above all, having a conversation. “De Warme Huiskamer is a place to meet,” says coordinator Gerda Breukelaar. “It was created by the Salvation Army in connection with the energy crisis.”
In a warm rental house, people can sit down once a week for a free meal. But there’s more. “There is something to do every day,” says Breukelaar. “There is a choir, running group and lessons are given to foreign people.”
Alie Reitsma has lived opposite the Warme Huiskamer since May 1. “I didn’t know either way here. ‘You can just walk in on the other side,’ I was told. I thought: I’ll just take a look.”
Reitsma became a regular guest. “I was warmly welcomed here by people who could do something for me.” People helped her both socially and socially.
And that is exactly what the drop-in center is intended for. To support people with a small wallet and to easily avoid loneliness. And according to coordinator Breukelaar, that is desperately needed. “There is a lot of hidden loneliness and hidden poverty. People often do not dare to admit it right away, there is shame.”