Transitional housing in Cite
Can I have a say in this project?
Yes, you were able to participate in the meetings organised on 11 and 18 February. You can also discuss what has been done with us via a sounding board group. Unfortunately it is now no longer possible to register for the sounding board group.
Who are these transitional residents? What is their background?
The transitional residents are aged from 18 to 32 years old. They are people who have become homeless for various reasons. They will live in Cité for a short while, during which time they’ll be extensively guided by volunteers from the Salvation Army, learning how to do things like getting their finances in order. They’ll then move on to another location in Rotterdam, where they’ll be living independently in their own accommodation.
Where will the transitional residents live?
Cité’s south tower has fifty studios which were originally used for short stay rentals. Thirty of these will be rented to transitional residents. The remaining twenty will be rented in the usual way to students registered with us.
The decision to place all the transitional residents together in one part of the building was made in consultation with the Cité Residents Association. If desire is expressed to spread them around more evenly, we are open to that.
Why has Cité been chosen for this project?
Many homeless people are being inappropriately housed in shelters. They are capable of living independently under supervision, but do not have the opportunity to do so because of a shortage of suitable housing.
Cité has studio apartments, originally rented as short-stay accommodation, which are now lying empty. These are both suitable for and affordable to these transitional residents. By renting them to these people, we give them opportunity to rebuild their lives and become independent.
How long will the transitional residents be living in Cité?
The intention is that each transitional resident will move on to their own accommodation after six to nine months. The studio they vacate will then be occupied by another person on the programme. The project is expected to run for at least two years. We will evaluate how everything is going after a year and a half and discuss the evaluation process with the sounding board group.
Is there a possibility the transitional residents will stay living in Cité in the longer term?
No. All the participants in this programme will move to other accommodation elsewhere in Rotterdam.
What assistance will the transitional residents receive to help them move on to independent accommodation in Rotterdam?
The Salvation Army will be showing them how to do things like apply for housing offered via Woonnet Rijnmond and obtain a declaration of urgency for being housed.
What is “transitional housing”?
This is a programme whereby transitional residents rent studios and receive weekly visits from Salvation Army counsellors, who support them in dealing with all kinds of matters, such as finances and other personal issues.
What if the transitional residents do not want to receive guidance?
The transitional residents are only allowed to come and live in Cité on the condition they accept guidance from the Salvation Army. They sign a document agreeing to this. Living in Cité and accepting guidance are inextricably linked.
Are possible problems caused by things such as addiction and previous imprisonment taken into consideration?
Some of the transitional residents have had problems with drugs. These are known of and help is being provided. Transitional residents are only invited to live in Cité when they are at a stage whereby they are capable of living independently while receiving guidance.
Will the project be aborted if any of the transitional residents cause problems?
No. If any individual residents cause problems, those will be taken care of. It’s not right for the other transitional residents to suffer as a consequence.
Will additional surveillance cameras be installed?
. The building’s surveillance cameras were already replaced and extra ones added last year.
How should I behave around transitional residents?
Treat them the same as you’d want anyone else to treat you. Feel free to start up a conversation.
How will the transitional residents in Cité be informed about the building’s rules?
The Salvation Army counsellors will explain and discuss the building’s rules with the transitional residents, so they will be clear about what is expected.
Are the transitional residents allowed to have visitors?
Yes, just like everyone else, the transitional residents are allowed to receive visitors. In accordance with the coronavirus measures applicable at the time, of course.
Will the transitional residents also be invited to get-togethers arranged by the residents’ committee, once these are allowed again?
Yes, the transitional residents will also be welcome. The residents' committee can decide to have a Salvation Army counsellor present, so they are on-hand in case any supervision or guidance is needed.
How can I reach the people from the Salvation Army?
There is a Salvation Army representative present in Cité every day up till 11pm:
- Monday till Friday 9am – 11pm
- Saturday and Sunday 3pm – 11pm
Is no one from the Salvation Army present? You can walk by later or call them on 06 114 751 26.
For urgent matters after 11pm, call 010 480 85 52.
In case of emergency, for example if people are getting violent, you can always call the police on 112.
What should I do in the case of problems or nuisance?
Discuss the problem with a Salvation Army representative. There is someone available for this in Cité every day up till 11pm. For urgent matters after 11pm, call 010 480 85 52.
In case of emergency, for example if people are getting violent, you can always call the police on 112.
How is Stadswonen Rotterdam going to ensure this project runs smoothly?
We will be maintaining close contact with the sounding board group, the Cité Residents Association and the Salvation Army counsellors. We will constantly review how things are going and what opportunities there are for improvement.
Why was I not made aware of this project sooner, for example when I signed my residency agreement?
We understand this might have come as a surprise. We only recently decided to set up this project together with the Salvation Army and they immediately started asking for advice from the SHS and the Cité Residents Association. We informed our tenants as soon as we had a clear picture.
Can I volunteer to help out with this project?
Yes, that would be very much appreciated! As a volunteer, you can buddy-up with a transitional resident, help them through their personal administration and job applications, enjoy fun activities together and show them around the neighbourhood. You and your assigned resident will decide between you what you want to do and how often. If you’d like to get involved, please contact Lieke Krewinkel of the Salvation Army via lieke.krewinkel@legerdesheils.nl.
