Housing shortage increases homeless problem in Dutch cities

Homeless shelters in the four large Dutch cities are overcrowded and the number of homeless people is increasing, according to the courts of audit for Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht. A big reason for this is the shortage of housing, which means that no home can be found where a homeless person can start building a new life, according to the auditors, RTL Nieuws reports.

The courts of audit sounded the alarm about the homeless problem in the four large Dutch cities in a joint leter. They also note that the group of homeless people in the cities is becoming increasingly diverse.

According to the courts, homeless people deteriorate further while they wait for shelter and guidance. And even after shelter is found for them, the support often falls sort. The cities are still looking too much at the system and the rules instead of the person. Coopearation between the four large cities in the area of homelessness policy decreased, while they can learn a lot from each other, the courts write. Every city has something it does well when it comes to helping homeless people.

In Amsterdam, for example, each homeless person is assinged a counselor who helps him or her navigate the system. Rotterdam does the same, but only for young homeless people under the age of 23. Utrecht focues on financial support and guidance, so that the person can better manage his finances once he is back on his feet. The Hague quickly arranges shelter and financial aid for people left homeless due to money problems, but who are self-reliant and do not have addiction- or psychiatric problems.