The number of people sleeping outdoors in Groningen is rising at an alarming rate, visibly impacting the streets and surroundings, according to local news outlet Sikkom. Camps have sprung up in various locations, offering a stark glimpse into the lives of those forced to live in deplorable conditions.
On the outskirts of Groningen, a desolate field bordering a forest is home to a makeshift camp. A small tent stands at its edge, surrounded by litter including tattered clothing, worn-out shoes, and discarded blankets. Deeper into the woods, a more substantial encampment has taken shape, with crude shelters constructed from branches and plastic sheeting. Scattered throughout the area are signs of daily life: rotting blankets, tattered sleeping bags, pots, pans, toys, and empty bottles.
While the site may seem abandoned at first glance, evidence suggests multiple people, perhaps even families, inhabit this place in squalid conditions. The camp is not unique; similar makeshift settlements are cropping up throughout Groningen.
In another case, a dilapidated boat moored on the Eemskanaal hosts several homeless individuals. The surrounding area is strewn with bicycles and bears the marks of recent fires. Nearby, another camp, shielded by orange tarps and adorned with children’s toys, is nestled against an abandoned factory – a silent testimony to the city’s growing homelessness issue.
Numbers don’t lie: Homelessness explodes in Groningen
Hans Coenraads, a spokesperson for Groningen municipality, acknowledges the growing issue of homelessness and the increasing visibility of encampments in the city. According to the “Monitor Dakloosheid Groningen” report, the number of homeless individuals in the province has climbed from 787 to 834 over the past five years, excluding those staying in women’s shelters or with friends and family.
In 2023, the total number of homeless people in the province reached 1,250, a significant increase from 937 in 2021. Groningen city is home to a large portion of this population. Notably, the number of people sleeping rough has skyrocketed from 67 in 2019 to 186 in 2023.
Several factors contribute to this rise, including improved data collection, the temporary expansion of shelter capacity during the pandemic, and the ongoing housing crisis. A critical shortage of affordable housing and lengthy waiting times for emergency accommodation are exacerbating the problem.
Lost and forgotten: Groningen’s invisible population
Organizations such as the Salvation Army and Wender in Groningen report a surge in demand for daytime shelters and emergency accommodation. Economic hardships, job losses, and personal crises are driving more people into homelessness.
Sandra Elzer of Wender highlights the detrimental impact of mental health service cuts, which have led to an increase in individuals ending up on the streets after premature discharge from psychiatric care.
Expressing concern about the future, Elzer criticizes government policies. The planned termination of basic support for rejected asylum seekers will further exacerbate the crisis by creating another vulnerable population.
Elzer advocates for housing models that provide supervised independent living, a strategy proven successful in other regions. Despite the demonstrated effectiveness of such projects, local opposition in Groningen is hindering the development of initiatives like Skaeve Huse, which aim to provide housing for the most vulnerable.
