Villa Westerweide

No judgment but shelter
Zaandammer Patrick is homeless and comes daily to Villa Westerweide, a walk-in centre that opened its doors in Patrick's city in the summer of 2023. "I used to just walk around a bit. Now I have somewhere to go."

The walk-in centre is an initiative of the municipality of Zaandam and is run by De Regenboog Groep, which has been specifically asked to take on the management for its expertise. The intention is for the walk-in centre to contribute to a better quality of life in the municipality and the well-being of the people who come there. After an intake, they can use the facilities, such as clothing exchange, showers and day care. Patrick: "No one here judges you, which happens quickly outside when people see you walking around with your sleeping bag and backpack."