Organizations dedicated to alleviating poverty and providing assistance to those in need are making urgent appeals for additional support. The Stichting Comité Bijzondere Hulp Zuid-Kennemerland, which has been active for over fifty years, assists individuals facing financial difficulties by offering essentials like food, clothing, and other necessities.
Chairman Jan Drost and secretary Madeleine Verspuij shared their insights during their appearance on Haarlem Vandaag. "We focus on solving the problems of people who have less. Through gifts or items they need," Drost explained, emphasizing the foundation's role as primarily reactive to immediate needs rather than providing long-term support.
Requests often come from various domestic situations. "The most common requests include essentials like mattresses for sleeping, refrigerators for food storage, and bicycles for transportation to job interviews or employment," said Verspuij. The foundation aims to assist anyone who can demonstrate financial need, with the majority of applicants coming from welfare recipients, though situations arise where working individuals also encounter unforeseen hardships.
"People need to show they have significantly reduced financial means at the moment," Drost stated, acknowledging the importance of screening applications carefully. This scrutiny sometimes leads to requests for additional documentation to verify claims, ensuring the funding supports the genuinely needy.
During the holidays, the organization is reaching out to the community for more donations, which depend heavily on the generosity of local residents. "We would love for young people to donate as well, even small amounts can make a difference," Drost urged. Last year, additional donations surged as many citizens contributed to help cover the rising energy costs, with some customers returning their government grant, saying, "We don’t need this 190 euros. We are incredibly grateful for those contributions."
The kinds of requests they honor range widely. For example, they once helped cover unexpected funeral expenses for the daughter of a deceased welfare recipient who was unaware the inheritance came with debts. Other instances involve mothers receiving support for their children’s sports activities. They faced challenges because local authorities overlooked the costs of necessary gear. Drost recalled, "A mother of three kids asked for 100 euros to cover expenses for sports shoes and shirts. After calculations, we decided to contribute 300 euros to help her out more comprehensively."
Distinctively, the foundation allows for anonymous applications, easing the stigma associated with poverty. "That’s why we focus on silent poverty, as you don’t have to register anywhere. You can simply submit your application to us," Drost mentioned, pointing to the socially awkward nature of seeking help.
Anyone wishing to make requests can do so through their website, www.bijzonderehulp.nl, or by emailing [email protected]. With the increasing recognition of financial hardship especially during the festive season, initiatives like these become ever more important to help individuals move toward stability.
On another front, the Belastingdienst Oost-Brabant offers free assistance for residents facing provisional income tax assessments for the year 2025. Located at Weener XL on Vlijmenseweg 200, Den Bosch, the initiative aims to provide support to those who may struggle to navigate their tax obligations. Appointments can be made through their website or via telephone at 0800-05 43, ensuring access to valuable resources.
Collectively, these initiatives highlight the pressing need for community solidarity and support, particularly for those enduring financial strain. The sector is calling for more volunteers and advocates to help carry this important work forward.
