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Local authority initiates approach for the solution of problems with

addicted homeless citizens in Utrecht

Presentation OstravaSeptember 2010

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THEN

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NOW

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Situation in Utrecht end nineties

Big shopping mall in the centre ofthe city:• Refuge for about 1000 homeless

people (500 addicted to hard drugs)• Harassment and criminality• Terrible living conditions for homeless

group• Negative visiting card for Utrecht

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Something had to be done!

Mayor and Aldermen (local authority) took

the initiative:• to get together all parties concerned• Salvation Army as first caregiver• to spend time, energy and money• to develop a plan together

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Plan

• To build four shelters in the centre• And seven hostels (homes) in the

quarters of the city

Aim:• Improve lives of addicted and

homeless citizens• Decrease harassment and criminality

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Approach

• Order for Municipal Health Service

• Much attention for communication to all concerned

• Institution of governinggroups

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Results

First:• Four shelters and nine hostels were

built • Status to become hostelinhabitant• New insights in longterm drugaddictionLater:• Recovery and vast improvement in

situation addicted homeless group• Minimalisation in harassment and

criminality• Pride of all concerned

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Current state of affairs

• Closure of almost all shelters for drugusers

• Recovery of half of the group; expected closure of number of hostels in future

But:• There are still other problems to be

tackled: alcohol, new drugs, new groups