Number of homeless goes up for second year in a row

Rising Homelessness in the Netherlands: A Growing Crisis in 2024

Homelessness in the Netherlands has reached concerning new heights, marking the second consecutive year of increase in the number of people without stable housing. According to the latest figures from the Dutch statistics agency CBS, an estimated 33,000 individuals were homeless at the beginning of 2024—living on the streets, in cars, squatting in abandoned buildings, or relying on shelters. This is a notable rise from 27,000 in 2022 and 30,000 in 2023.

This upward trend represents a sharp contrast to the steady decline in homelessness observed between 2018 and 2021, when the number of homeless individuals dropped from 40,000 to lower levels. The return of rising numbers raises concerns about the effectiveness of current measures and the deeper social issues at play.

While CBS reports the number of homeless individuals, the true scale of the problem is likely much higher. The agency estimates that up to 70% of homeless people are not officially registered, which means the actual number of people without permanent homes could be far greater.

A closer look at the demographics of the homeless population reveals significant patterns. Almost half of the officially recognized homeless individuals are foreign nationals. Of these, 9% were born in another European country, and a staggering 37% were born outside of Europe. In the four largest cities—Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht—an overwhelming 70% of the homeless population either comes from outside Europe or has parents who were born outside the continent.

The majority of those affected by homelessness are men, making up 83% of the total homeless population. In terms of age, over half are between 27 and 50 years old, which suggests that homelessness is not just an issue affecting the elderly or the youth, but a widespread problem affecting a significant portion of the working-age population.

The question remains: what is behind this rise in homelessness? While the statistics show a clear upward trend, there is no obvious explanation for why this is happening. Various factors, including the rising cost of living, limited affordable housing, and social challenges related to immigration and integration, are likely contributing to this complex crisis.

As the number of homeless people continues to grow, it is crucial for both policymakers and citizens to address the root causes of homelessness and take meaningful steps toward providing better housing solutions, social support, and more inclusive communities. The situation in the Netherlands serves as a stark reminder that homelessness is not just an individual problem, but a societal one that requires urgent attention and action.