Stark contrast: the West Frisian doors remain closed for this Romanian family

Elena came to the Netherlands 18 years ago and lives with Nico Bouman in Zwaagdijk-East. Her niece Larissa also wants to settle here, together with her husband Janut and daughter Amalia (4). Six months ago they came to West Friesland from Bucharest.

“Wages are very low in Romania. I earn 800 euros a month there, while the prices are at the same level. We really want to build a future here, especially for our daughter,” says Janut. “Also because the education here is much better than in Romania.”

Janut works as a kitchen fitter, Amalia goes to school in Onderdijk. The family rented a house in the same village to their full satisfaction, but after the owner’s relationship broke down, they found themselves on the street.

Zero comments

Elena sprang into action immediately. An advertisement was placed and a call for a rental home was circulated in Onderdijk, Wervershoof, Medemblik and Andijk. The result: zero responses.

“That was quite disappointing. I would have thought that someone would say: ‘I do know someone who has space.’ I think the contrast with the enthusiasm with which the Ukrainians are received here is quite big. The doors open for that, but apparently not for a Romanian family that already lives here. Although the situation of refugees from Ukraine is of course not comparable, because what is happening there is very bad.”

Elena meanwhile continued to search frantically for her family. She ended up at a rental house in Medemblik via Facebook Marketplace. “We were sent pictures. It looked good. But when we went to look, it looked very different. Oh yes, and Janut was asked if he wanted to transfer money in advance. It didn’t make sense, these were just scammers. ”

There was also a dubious incident in Grootebroek. “We were invited there to look at a house, but it turned out that a family was already living there. Very strange. We keep looking, for example via housing sites. But the prices to rent are abnormal. 1400 euros basic rent for an apartment with two rooms is no exception.”

Converted garage

Meanwhile, the Lula family has been living in Elena and Nico’s converted garage for three weeks. A floor was hastily laid, the walls were painted and furniture and equipment were purchased. They sleep in the adjoining bedroom, where Nico and Elena’s daughter used to sleep. “She was not so happy that she had to hand in her room, but she can stay in our attic.”

Janut is happy with the family’s help. “For now this is a great solution. We are grateful for that. But we prefer to have our own place.”

They keep hoping. Hoping for a shelter, even if it is temporary. And if it doesn’t happen? A deep sigh follows from Janut. “Then we will consider going back to Romania.”