Opening minds through an European exchange of knowledge

Egbert de Vries of Amsterdamse Federatie van Woningcorporaties, founding partner of the ISHF, discusses the past and present of social housing in the Netherlands and points towards the importance of a European exchange of knowledge. Article by Alix Glodstein, ISHF team What is AFWC? Why should people know about your organization? AFWC represents all social housing… Read More Opening minds through an European exchange of knowledge

How the Dutch Lead the Way in Senior Housing Innovation

In my short career in social housing, I have noticed that many programs revolve around helping work able households improve self-sufficiency. There is a national program (FSS) just to do that in coordination with housing programs. However; housing providers often serve a large number of senior and disabled households. While there are a number of great examples… Read More How the Dutch Lead the Way in Senior Housing Innovation

Trump, Nationalism and Public Housing Funding: Wait and See or Act Now?

I spoke recently with a colleague that works at Housing Europe.  Our discussion focused on how nationalism is sweeping across not only the USA but other European countries.  Austria almost swept a nationalist presidential candidate into office, Marine Le Pen in France is doing well in polling,  and Geert Wilders’ party is looking to score… Read More Trump, Nationalism and Public Housing Funding: Wait and See or Act Now?

The Regulator’s View: An Interview with the Dutch Housing Regulator

Background: The Centraal Fonds Volkshuisvesting (CFV) is the regulating body for Dutch Social Housing. I spoke with Daphne Braal-Verhoog the Director and Geraldien Bruin Manager of the Department of Policy and Legal Counsel to discuss both their roles and the future of the housing industry in the Netherlands especially in light of the new rules.… Read More The Regulator’s View: An Interview with the Dutch Housing Regulator

Woonbond: Representing the Tenants of the Netherlands

Woonbond is a large tenants rights organization based in Amsterdam. The company considers itself the voice of renters from throughout the country. More than half of the residents in social housing are somehow connected to Woonbond through its membership and advocacy. That’s more than 1.5 million members or 53% of all tenants in Holland. Woonbond’s… Read More Woonbond: Representing the Tenants of the Netherlands

A Brief Explanation of Changes in Dutch Social Housing from July 1st 2015

Recently I met with the Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations. The discussion revolved around changes in the social housing industry and what roles will change starting July 1st. The department within the Ministry focuses on the entire housing market including owner occupied housing, social housing and the private market. Both Roger and Simone work… Read More A Brief Explanation of Changes in Dutch Social Housing from July 1st 2015