The new daycare center will be located on Reguliersdwarsstraat in the Rita Community Center. Every Monday, people from ten to five can go there for care, food and activities.
AT5 received a tour from social worker BeyonG Potmis at a similar location, Makom drop-in center in Zuid. She is proud of the shelter, because she sees that people are relaxing. “It cannot be compared to regular shelter. We often hear that people do not feel comfortable. They often have to deal with violence, treatment or are shouted at. And it is certainly not easy on the street.”
Visitor Juan Carlos also recognizes this. He likes coming here. “There’s protection here. It’s a safe place. Instead of being chased away and being a target. It gives me hope and it’s nice to not have to let your guard down for a change.”
Walk-in house
About fifteen people knock on Makom’s door every Thursday, says BeyonG. She is happy with the new shelter that is coming. “Sometimes we have to disappoint people because it’s full. And that really shouldn’t be the case.”
In addition to this drop-in center for day care in South, there is a night shelter on Oudezijds Voorburgwal that can accommodate ten people every night.