Since this week, anyone who is in trouble or threatens to get into trouble due to the high energy bill can go to one of the community center rooms of the Salvation Army. The community center rooms are located in Southeast, West, Center, East and North.
The Salvation Army opens doors – NH Nieuws
The community center rooms have recently become increasingly crowded, says Jan Pieter van As, coordinator of the living room ‘De Kandelaar’. “After the corona period, it was difficult to get going at first, but that fear has now completely disappeared. It has been going well since September.” Who all come by? “Young people usually have a migration background and older people who need social contacts.”
“It really is invaluable. If I become a millionaire I will also give money to the Salvation Army.”
The opening hours were initially from 9 am to 2 pm, but since this week the community centers are open until 5 pm. “The idea is for all community centers to extend their opening hours so that people who get into trouble at home can turn their heat down.” There is also free coffee and tea and the residents of Amsterdam can get lunch for a low price.
What does that mean for their own energy bill? “Our permanent contract runs until March 2023, after that it will also vary. Then we will see further. Fortunately, we have also had solar panels on the roof for six months.”
clothes bank
In addition, the location in West also has its own store. It has been run for years by Olga and since a few months also by volunteer Femmy.
“We finance the activities with our clothing bank,” says Van As. However, the store also has a different function. “Look, people only know the Salvation Army from a homeless shelter, that creates a barrier, but through our activities and the store we can reach people better.”
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