The Provisions Guide launched

They have trained a total of thirty staff and volunteers to help people with The Amenities Guide. In an hour and a half, the professional walks through an application with the resident. At the end, a family immediately saves an average of several hundred euros a year. 

Members of the De VoorzieningenWijzer steering committee are proud that they have succeeded in starting to help households in Parkstad increase their purchasing power. They have ensured that employees and volunteers from various institutions, including housing corporations and municipalities, have been trained to use De VoorzieningenWijzer. This allows families to take maximum advantage of schemes, allowances and discounts. Vulnerable families can thus save between €450 and €650 per year. This is much needed in these times. Peter van Zutphen, Alderman of the Municipality of Heerlen and member of the steering committee: "I am particularly proud that this project is now getting underway. It is the first time that a social project is initiated from our housing partners. Nice that they also take their role in this and do not only think from the 'bricks'. "

No hesitation

Corporations help tenants who have difficulty making ends meet or are in financial distress, while municipalities help residents who are known to be in distress. To help as many people as possible, the participating organizations also encourage other civil society professionals in their own areas of operation to refer people with vulnerable financial situations to them. At housing corporation Woonpunt, the two trained employees will go through De VoorzieningenWijzer with the board members of tenants' associations in Heerlen and Hoensbroek. "Not because they are in a pinch," says Woonpunt director Wim Hazeu. "But to let them experience the added value personally, so that they feel no hesitation in referring fellow tenants to us." Tenant organizations can play a connecting role to tenants. The board of ROH Parkstad, the partnership of tenants' organizations, will also bring the tool to the attention of tenants. 

Resident does not have to do anything

The VoorzieningenWijzer meets a need, because research shows that households with shaky financial situations are often unable to use existing facilities on their own. They need help finding their way through the online supply of schemes, discounts and allowances. The VoorzieningenWijzer offers that help; for example, appropriate health insurance, a test to see if the rent is appropriate or savings on energy costs. People also make insufficient use of municipal facilities. Possible savings are pointed out or advised on the spot within De VoorzieningenWijzer, or directed directly to the relevant agencies. Alderman Tim Weijers of Kerkrade municipality and chairman of the Administrative Committee on Housing and Restructuring of the City Region of Parkstad Limburg: "This is how we help financially vulnerable households in our society. It also brings social workers behind the front door in vulnerable neighborhoods where, together with housing corporations, we are working on restructuring the housing market. Customization can thus be provided at the kitchen table. Moreover, we can simultaneously identify and pick up other issues early.'

Example for others

The VoorzieningenWijzer is largely funded by the RegioDeal, a subsidy made available by the state for improving the socioeconomic structure and livability in Parkstad. The money is intended for improvement projects in which government, residents, housing corporations, entrepreneurs and social institutions work together. The remaining costs are paid by the participating municipalities and housing corporations. The province also contributes. According to the province, this is a perfect way to look behind the front door and work with residents on the problems at hand. So early detection of poverty and loneliness. This enables us as partners to act decisively on the basis of everyone's expertise and capabilities. This creates an instrument that ensures a more sustainable and efficient approach. We can then use this knowledge and experience more widely in our province.