'Geef Tijdelijk Thuis' Initiative Starts in Utrecht

'Geef Tijdelijk Thuis' is an initiative by Hospi Housing, Takecarebnb, Kamers met Aandacht, and Onder de Pannen aiming to reduce the housing shortage in the Netherlands.

Various organizations in the Netherlands are committed to combating the housing shortage by promoting homestay rentals and living with a host family. During the event 'Uit je Dakloos' in Utrecht in 2022, the idea for a collaboration was born. A year later (yes, quality takes time), a website, an online test, and an official kickoff with the alderman in Utrecht were established. What do we do? We will tell you in this blog.

Social Solution for the Housing Shortage

Many people have a spare room at home and sometimes consider renting it out temporarily. However, there is quite a bit involved, and it is natural to have questions. That's why Hospi Housing, Takecarebnb, Kamers met Aandacht, and Onder de Pannen have joined forces.

The goal of this collaboration is to inform more people about the benefits of homestay rentals and home sharing. On www.geeftijdelijkthuis.nl, we show what's possible, which tenant or guest would best suit you, and which organization can best assist you. But who are these organizations, and what do they do?

Kamers met Aandacht

Foundation Kamers met Aandacht helps vulnerable young adults between the ages of 18 and 23 to find temporary housing until they can live independently. They look for people who can provide a room and that little bit of extra attention.

Takecarebnb

More than 15,000 people with a refugee background who have already received a residence permit in the Netherlands are still waiting for a home. By matching them with a host family for three months, Takecarebnb lets them get acquainted with the Dutch language and culture and helps them on their way with work or study.

Onder de Pannen

Becoming homeless after a divorce or loss of employment is not uncommon with the current housing crisis. The lack of a social safety net can lead to homelessness. Onder de Pannen helps these people by matching them with city residents who have room available. This way, they turn an empty room into an opportunity for someone else and a financial bonus for themselves.

Hospi Housing

Well, we probably don't need to tell you, but we will anyway. Hospi Housing is the largest platform for homestay rentals in the Netherlands. We primarily help students and young people find a room in someone's home. In addition, we strive to relax the rules for homestay rentals and guide you as a host in this process.

Pilot in Utrecht

The pilot runs from the fall of 2023 to the spring of 2024. During this period, online campaigns, flyer and poster campaigns, and pop-up living rooms throughout the city will draw attention to the room shortage and the solution of sharing your home with someone.

The pilot is supported by the Municipality of Utrecht, Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, and the Foundation of Utrecht Housing Corporations (Portaal, Housing Corporation Bo-Ex, Woonin, Cazas Wonen). The ministry uses the results of the pilot and the experiences of the 4 organizations as input for a national information campaign on homestay rentals that is likely to start in 2024.

Collaborative Network

In addition to the pilot, the four organizations work together frequently at both local and national levels. Together they stand stronger to simplify regulations at municipalities, housing corporations, and the national government. For example, as organizations, they provided input for the election programs for the Dutch Parliamentary elections (and with success!). And after years of lobbying, minister de Jonge announced a legislative amendment to make mortgage lenders more amenable to homestay rentals.

And we will continue to do so. In this way, we work together on our mission to help more people in the Netherlands find a room. Are you excited but still have doubts? Take the test here and see which organization and what type of tenant suits you best.