Dutch cities seek €100m a year for homeless shelters

The four largest Dutch cities and the G40 network of medium-sized cities say local authorities are short of tens of millions of euros a year to provide shelter for homeless people. In a letter to parliament, they are asking the national government for at least €100 million in additional annual funding.

The appeal comes ahead of a parliamentary debate on Wednesday on possible responses to homelessness. Providing shelter is a legal responsibility of municipalities, but the cities say the government’s contribution has not kept pace with the need.

The municipalities describe housing as the main way out of homelessness. But they say the results of plans to provide homes will take years, and are seeking extra funding to meet immediate shelter needs.