Severe shortage of housing for people with severe mental health problems
The shortage of suitable housing for individuals with severe mental health problems persists, despite a 2021 law granting these individuals rights to long-term care. Client advocates report significant challenges in finding appropriate living arrangements, according to investigative platform Pointer.
The 2021 reform integrated mental health care needs into the Wet Langdurige Zorg (WLZ), transitioning these responsibilities from local municipalities under the Wet Maatschappelijke Ondersteuning (WMO) to national government oversight. The law was designed to ensure that individuals with complex, long-term mental health issues could access continuous care without repeatedly proving their eligibility.
“Under WLZ, clients are no longer forced to reapply for care every six months, which reduces stress significantly,” said Anitha Bredewold, a client advocate specializing in mental health. “But we’re now facing a shortage of suitable housing options, particularly for those with higher care needs.”
A survey conducted by Pointer among 22 client advocates found that the majority struggle to secure housing for their clients. “The higher the care needs, the harder it is to find an appropriate living arrangement,” Bredewold noted.
The issue extends beyond availability to a lack of variety in housing options. Many clients require one-on-one support, but such tailored services are scarce in the Netherlands.
According to government data, over 35,000 individuals were receiving WLZ care for mental health issues by the end of 2024—double the number initially projected when the law was implemented. The unexpected demand has overwhelmed the system, leaving thousands waiting for housing.
Municipalities also confirm the growing crisis. Pointer’s investigation of the 44 designated centrumgemeenten, responsible for coordinating housing for vulnerable individuals, revealed that all but two report significant waiting times for protected housing.
A 2023 report from the Health Authority highlighted that while individuals with less severe needs often find housing faster, those requiring continuous care face prolonged delays.
The lack of adequate housing has led to dire outcomes for many clients. Bredewold shared that some individuals regress in their recovery due to the absence of stable housing. “One client of mine ended up using drugs again because the necessary support wasn’t in place,” she said. In some cases, clients with severe mental health issues become homeless.
Organizations such as the Salvation Army report that individuals with WLZ entitlements frequently end up in crisis shelters, which lack the resources to provide appropriate care. “These shelters are temporary solutions, but they do not offer the guidance people need,” said Esmé Wiegman, regional director for Noordoost.
The Ministry of Health has acknowledged that the number of mental health clients entering WLZ care has exceeded expectations. Officials are now evaluating whether WLZ is the appropriate system for all mental health care cases.
