TAKE ACTION AGAINST POVERTY
Rotterdam is one of the poorest cities in the Netherlands. 15.4% of Rotterdam residents live below the poverty line. That is more than 80,000 Rotterdam residents. In some neighborhoods, a quarter to a third live in poverty. 1 in 4 Rotterdam children grows up in poverty. Below you can read what you can do to help a fellow Rotterdammer in need in these times of high inflation.
Source: Warm Rotterdam
Experience story
Emma is 23 years old. After her mother's death, she was left with a debt. Emma studied, but temporarily stopped because of all the problems. She hardly has any money to do the daily shopping. She recently started getting free sanitary towels from one of the Poverty Fund's distribution points.
Living in poverty has many consequences. For example, poverty reduces the chance of obtaining an education and affects your living situation and your health. Shame, social isolation, loneliness, stress and depression can be a consequence of poverty.
Want to read more about poverty? A few reading and listening tips:
Municipality of Rotterdam about poverty
Information page about what to do if you have financial problems from the municipality of Rotterdam
Website for Rotterdam residents without a money tree with practical tips
Podcast: How to break poverty | HANHealth. With experience stories from students.
Would you rather read? The podcast above can also be downloaded as a free e-book
The Warm Rotterdam Foundation has a lot of information about poverty in Rotterdam
Movisie gives many tips on how to support people who cannot make ends meet (for professionals)
do something about poverty
There are many ways to do something about poverty. Whatever you choose, or how much or little time you have, you really make a difference in the life of a neighbor.
Donate time or items
Collecting stuff
Make someone else very happy with things you no longer use. From toiletries to clothing, furniture or a bicycle.
Help at the food bank
Help collect, pack or distribute food parcels. Or use your communication skills for greater reach and impact.
Provide advice or coaching
Help people with their administration, as a budget buddy or energy coach. You will of course be well guided and this help is very much needed.
It's frustrating when you don't know who is knocking on the door, Santa or the bailiff
Let's be there for each other. Right now.
Still not for you?
There are thousands of other ways in which you can mean something to someone else or the world.