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
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
Architects Arna Mackic and Lorien Beijaert from Studio LA, and visual artist Robert Glas, are investigating the residential quality of the temporary refugee housing complex, ‘ Bijlmerbajes’, a former prison that, since its closure in June 2016, has been used to house 600 refugees, among them 100 children. This project, as part of ISHF research… Read More 600 refugees in a former prison
I am now shifting to the Netherlands where I will spend some time with the Aedes Company. They provide both advocacy and training to social housing companies here in the Netherlands. While here, I will also visit with member companies to better understand Dutch social housing and the differences here compared to Germany and the… Read More The European Union, Social Housing and State Aid
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?
Dutch Social Housing Changes : Part II-Fallout for Social Housing Sector: In part one of this series I discussed the history of Dutch social housing and the issues in the late 90’s going into the 2000’s. The end result is the social housing industry must now focus more on helping those with social disadvantages while… Read More Dutch Social Housing-Changes Part II: Fallout
Social housing in the Netherlands enjoys a long and rich tradition. Social housing associations ensure that more than 2.4 million households in the Netherlands have access to adequate and affordable housing. That means almost 40% of all Dutch live in social housing. The history of social housing becomes especially interesting when looking at the housing… Read More Dutch Social Housing-Changes Part I
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 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
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
Housing Futures 