Will the new 24-hour shelter keep Alkmaar homeless people off the streets from now on?

The shelter for homeless people in Alkmaar has always been divided over two locations. Merging the day and night shelters into one large building puts an end to going back and forth between two locations and having to roam outside between opening hours. It is not yet clear what will happen to the closed location on Jan de Heemstraat.

According to the municipality, about thirty people in Alkmaar are currently using the homeless shelter. This number is expected to increase in the coming years.

But there is no shortage of space at this renewed location on the Helderseweg. “We expect that the new capacity will meet the needs in Alkmaar,” explains transition manager Henderieke. “With so much space, we can offer everyone their own place.”

Sleep undisturbed

The special thing about the bedrooms is that there is one bed. Your own private room, the door of which can be locked at night, so that clients cannot disturb each other.

Some bedrooms are a lot more spacious than the other bedrooms. “These rooms are basically intended for women, people with claustrophobia, couples and extra vulnerable people,” explains Henderieke. “But if there is a lack of space, we can put an extra bed here.”

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There are also lockers where people can secure their valuables or stabbing weapon. “It can be very dangerous on the street. Many homeless people therefore carry a knife. We know that, but they are not allowed inside.”

In addition to the large living room – where meals are served three times a day – sitting areas have been created at various places in the building, with a table and some chairs. It all still looks a bit sober, but according to Henderieke that will soon change. “We’re going to make it even more cozy, for example with some large house plants. But it shouldn’t get too busy.”

Stand on your own feet again

By creating peace, the counselors hope that their clients will have more space in their heads to put things in order. “It is not the intention that they come to live here permanently, but that they receive the right guidance from here to be able to stand on their own feet again.”

The former homeless Sjacco Bakker (57) is standing in the living room, pouring himself a cup of coffee. He was homeless for ten years. He has had his own house in Alkmaar for four years now.

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“I had cannabis plants at home and was fined 10,000 euros. I also lost my home. In the end, I was imprisoned three times, because without a postal address there was no benefit. The last time someone from social services came by, who asked: what do you want to do with your life after this?”

‘second-class citizen’

When he was released, this man opened new doors for Sjacco. “It was someone who read between the lines. You keep running into walls. People see you as a second-class citizen, but thanks to him I now live in a house with two cats.”

As an expert by experience, he was allowed to think about the design within the client council. “It’s so important that this is here now. It gives people something to hold on to,” he thinks. “Most do not choose this existence, but the longer you live on the street, the more hopeless the situation seems. Here people are guided and we look at what is possible.”

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A little further on at the Karperton garage, the homeless Wendell (66) holds out his hand: “Lady, can you perhaps spare something? I’m saving for the night shelter.” That costs him 7 euros and 50 cents a day, he says. Gratefully, he accepts the change.

Although he is happy with the private rooms, he still prefers to spend his days outside. “Here I am free and I can play my harmonica quietly. You sometimes have fights on the street. Then you meet again and it will probably be a fight. I don’t feel like it.”