Apeldoorn is taking a new step in tackling youth homelessness. On 28 October, the council officially joined the ‘Startmotor Wonen Eerst Jongeren’ initiative, launched by Housing First Nederland and the Portaal housing association, with support from the central government.
By joining the scheme, Apeldoorn has opted for an approach whereby young people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless are helped to find a place of their own to live. From this stable foundation, they receive support where necessary.
Apeldoorn will be further developing this approach in the coming period in collaboration with housing associations, healthcare and welfare organisations, and other relevant partners. Housing First is supporting the council in drawing up a local plan to help young people who are rough-sleeping or homeless to find a permanent place to live.
Councillor Myrthe Kuiper emphasises the importance of helping young people find permanent accommodation: “Every young person deserves a safe place to live. Without a stable home, it is difficult to pursue education, find work or build a future. By taking part in the ”Startmotor Wonen Eerst Jongeren’ scheme, we are adopting an approach that offers young people prospects and prevents problems from escalating further.”
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