On the morning of Wednesday, April 13, 2022, Her Majesty Queen Maxima of the Netherlands accompanied by the State Secretary for Health, Welfare, and Sport, Mr. Maarten van Ooijen, met with young homeless individuals involved in the Kansfonds program in Zoetermeer. The Kansfonds program finances various initiatives to help young individuals get off the street and help them find a home of their own.

According to the official website for the Kansfond program there are:

“…8,500 registered homeless young people in the Netherlands. And that number continues to grow. Too many young people in the Netherlands live on the streets, sleep in night shelters, or on the couch with acquaintances. Kansfonds grants all young people a home, but that is no easy task. The young people often struggle with several complex problems at the same time: debts, no education or work, and substance use. They often get stuck in bureaucracy.”

During today’s meeting, Her Majesty and State Secretary Van Ooijen spoke with the young individuals who are part of the Kansfonds program and how the organization made a difference for them in their search for a home.  

Thereafter, Her Majesty Queen Maxima participated in an “…action research session on collaboration with housing associations whereupon she listened to various issues encountered by the initiatives in their work…” according to an RVD press release.  Her Majesty was also informed about the incredible steps the Kansfond program has made since the last time she visited the organization in 2018.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Kansfond program and all the great work they do please visit their official website here.

Photos courtesy of RVD/Rotapool/M.Schoemaker