GeldWijzerWinkel Kerkrade opens its doors in Kerkrade
On August 10, the GeldWijzerWinkel opened at Martin Buberplein 21 in Kerkrade. Citizens can come here with questions about money matters, financial and other consequences of important events such as job loss, divorce, coming of age and retirement. But also, for example, with questions about how getting a job affects benefits and other forms of income support.
Alderman Huub Wiermans (Social Affairs): "We are happy with this new, accessible facility in the center. Citizens can easily step in without an appointment. Especially in the area of debt problems and fighting poverty, the GeldWijzerWinkel has an important function."
This mainly involves preventing and recognizing in time (prevention and early signaling) poverty and especially debt. "We want to prevent people from getting into financial problems that they can no longer get out of," says Alderman Wiermans. "After all, people often wait a very long time before seeking help." From the GeldWijzerWinkel, employees of the 'Vroeg eropaf' team therefore go to people's homes to address (impending) money problems. For example, they respond to signals about payment arrears from housing corporations, health insurers and energy companies.
Acting quickly is extremely important in prevention and early warning. Within four weeks a plan of action should be on the table in case of (impending) money problems, so that any arrears do not increase further. Ultimately, the goal is to increase people's disposable income.
The GeldWijzerWinkel is an initiative of the municipality of Kerkrade. Further involved in its implementation are Welzijnsstichting Impuls, KredietBank Limburg, and Stichting Schuldhulpmaatjes. Employees of these organizations work together in the GeldWijzerWinkel as advisors. In addition, these organizations also offer their own services (Social Assistance, Financial Assistance and Support) from the store.
The GeldWijzerWinkel also works explicitly with the advisory and client councils operating in Kerkrade, and social partners such as the Kerkrade Library, voluntary aid organizations such as, for example, the Food Bank, Clothing Bank, Swap Shops, Samen Delen and other municipal departments such as youth, WMO, Social Affairs and Security.
In addition to providing information, the GeldWijzerWinkel, together with other parties, provides education and organizes regular activities such as courses on making ends meet with money, the functioning of banking and activities as part of "Money Week.
The GeldWijzerWinkel is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Opening hours will be further extended in the coming period.
For more information see the MoneyWijzerWinkel website
