Building a better neighborhood together: volunteers at the helm in Rolduckerveld

The Give and Take shop: sustainability and connection
The idea for the Give and Take shop arose at a practical time. Many residents were leaving the neighborhood because of the renovations and were leaving behind items that could be reused. "We had two garage boxes where residents could leave things," Luciënne explains. "One box was for trash, the other for usable items. The second one became so full that we knew: we have to do something with this." Thus, with the help of the Heem Wonen housing corporation and vacancy manager Maximus, the Give and Take shop was born.

The shop provides a low-threshold way for local residents to donate and reuse items. Luciënne emphasizes that the initiative is more than just a place for stuff: "it brings people together. Some come just to bring, others to collect. But everyone finds something of value there".

Neighborhood Prevention Team: ensuring safety together
The Neighborhood Prevention Team focuses on neighborhood safety. What began as a small group of volunteers during the corona pandemic has grown into an important part of the neighborhood. The team works closely with the community, police and enforcement to increase safety in the neighborhood. "We've learned how to report problems and what to do if we see something suspicious," says Luciënne. "It has really become an interaction between us, the municipality and the neighborhood residents."

For Swenn, his involvement with the prevention team has had a positive impact on his life: "I was inside a lot, but this work has allowed me to get outside more and meet new people. It gives me structure and a purpose."

The power of cooperation
The successes of the Give and Take shop and the Neighborhood Prevention Team were made possible in part by close cooperation with the Kerkrade municipality. Nicole Dorscheidt, former area director of Rolduckerveld, played a crucial role in this by providing the right inputs and support where needed. The current area director, Rianne Laumen, is also enthusiastic about the efforts of the volunteers: "Without people like Luciënne and Swenn, much less would be possible in the neighborhood. They are the linchpin in the community".

Rianne emphasizes that the role of the municipality is supportive, but that the initiatives really have to come from the residents. "We can facilitate and guide, but the power lies with the people themselves. It is their neighborhood, their home".

Call to Kerkrade residents
The stories of Luciënne and Swenn show how important volunteerism is to the community. Their efforts not only make for a safer and more sustainable neighborhood, but also bring people together. For those who hesitate to start their own initiative, they have a clear message: "Just start. Find people around you who want to participate and contact the municipality. So much is possible as long as you try".

Rianne Laumen concurs: "do you have an idea? Let us know! We'll look at the possibilities together. Often more is feasible than you think. Together we can make Kerkrade even more beautiful and livable".

Would you also like to contribute to your neighborhood, or do you have an idea to improve Kerkrade? Then contact the municipality or speak to one of the volunteers. As Luciënne and Swenn show, you can make a big difference with a little effort and cooperation.