Frequently Asked Questions about Temporary Accommodation at Omnizorg

Why is a temporary site being set up at Kanaal Noord?

Omnizorg’s permanent premises on Stationsstraat are in need of extensive refurbishment. The work is so extensive that carrying out the refurbishment whilst the shop remains open would be neither safe nor responsible. A temporary location is therefore required. An extensive and careful search has been carried out to find one. Research, detailed planning and consultation with the local community have shown that this location is the only feasible and realistic option.

How long will Omnizorg remain on Kanaal Noord?

If everything goes according to plan, Omnizorg will move to Kanaal Noord in December 2025. They will remain there until the refurbishment is complete. This is expected to take about a year and a half. This means that Omnizorg will return to Stationsstraat in the first quarter of 2027 at the earliest.

What will the temporary venue look like?

Below is a sketch showing Omnizorg’s temporary location, circled in yellow. Behind it is an enclosed green space with a wadi* for drainage. The site consists of a two-storey building comprising a number of units, with a secure entrance facing the canal. Facilities will include a bicycle park and mobility scooter storage for clients, as well as a secure car park for staff on the premises. A high boundary with fencing will be erected along the sides and at the rear of Omnizorg’s outdoor area.

* A wadi is a shallow, sunken area designed to collect and retain rainwater, allowing it to slowly seep into the ground. Wadi stands for Water Drainage and Infiltration. 

 

Which clients can use the temporary premises, and how many?

The upper floor will house 34 rooms for clients in supported accommodation. As they stay there for extended periods, this number remains fairly constant. The ground floor will house the emergency shelter, with a maximum of 40 beds. In the event of freezing temperatures, this capacity can be temporarily increased by up to 20 beds.

How do you ensure safety at the temporary site?

Safety is the top priority. The same tried-and-tested measures apply at the temporary site as at the permanent site. There is 24/7 supervision by experienced staff, CCTV surveillance and a manned entrance. Any disturbances are dealt with immediately, in close cooperation with the police and local enforcement agencies. Before opening, a notification card will be distributed door-to-door, providing an overview of where to report any issues. You can find a list of the most important numbers on our website.

How can nuisance caused by local residents be prevented?

In addition to the tried-and-tested approach on Stationsstraat, the design incorporates measures designed to limit disruption and minimise contact with the local community:

• Only part of the site that is being vacated will be used for temporary accommodation
• The rear area will become an enclosed green space, serving as a natural and clearly defined buffer
• The entrance is on the canal side
• High fences will be erected around the site
• The street lighting will be replaced as far as Deventerstraat to provide brighter and more even lighting.

Will the temporary accommodation lead to more people with problems moving into the neighbourhood?

There will mainly be movement of service users between the temporary accommodation and the Omnizorg site on Stationsstraat and the town centre. We expect this to be most noticeable on the canal side. Service users travel to Omnizorg on foot, by bicycle or by mobility scooter. The entrance is situated by the canal. This location, together with the fencing around the site, discourages clients from walking into the neighbourhood behind the site. At the front, the canal forms a natural boundary. Omnizorg supervises its clients and encourages them to stay inside and not loiter outside.

Do incidents involving Omnizorg happen often?

No, most clients behave calmly. Incidents are rare, but can occur. Omnizorg’s professionals actively work to de-escalate situations. This is almost always successful. Omnizorg also works closely with the police, emergency services and other care providers. Disturbances cannot be ruled out, but reports are always taken seriously and followed up promptly – an approach that has proved its worth at the permanent location.

Is there a hotline for reporting nuisance?

Yes, depending on the situation, there are various reporting centres you can contact. You can find an overview on our website.

As a local resident, where can I go with any questions or ideas?

We believe it is important to stay in touch with the local community. You can share your questions or ideas via omnizorg@apeldoorn.nl. In addition, Omnizorg will be organising regular neighbourhood meetings. These will begin three months before the temporary premises are taken into use.

What will happen to the site once Omnizorg has left?

Noorderlaan has been designated as a future site for housing development. The council’s aim is to begin developing homes as soon as possible once Omnizorg’s temporary accommodation has been vacated. However, there are no concrete plans at present.