‘No more humane shelter possible’: municipalities want more money to combat homelessness

Municipalities in the Netherlands are calling for increased funding to combat homelessness, citing a rise in the number of homeless individuals and insufficient financial support from the government. Mayors from major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht have highlighted that the current funding does not meet the growing needs for social housing. They request an additional 100 million euros annually for social care. The mayors warn that without adequate housing, more people will end up in temporary shelters, leading to increased tent camps and street disturbances. The G40 group of municipalities has also joined the call for action, noting that homelessness is increasingly prevalent in smaller towns as well. Despite ongoing efforts, the government acknowledges that its goal of eliminating homelessness by 2030 is unlikely to be met due to insufficient measures and a lack of affordable housing.