ROTTERDAM, 16 October 2024 – Over 100 families in Rotterdam have received assistance in clearing their debts, thanks to a collaboration between the municipality and Stichting Nieuw Vaarwater. The initiative aims to provide long-term solutions for families struggling with debt and financial instability.
New partnership helps families in Rotterdam tackle debt
In Rotterdam, one in six households faces debt, a problem that disproportionately affects children growing up in poverty. To address this issue, the municipality has long offered a range of services aimed at tackling debt, including advisory services and amicable debt settlements. Since March 2024, a new partnership with Stichting Nieuw Vaarwater has expanded the city’s capacity to assist local families. Over 100 households have already benefited from this collaboration, receiving full debt repayment assistance.
Wethouder Mohamed-Hoesein, responsible for poverty reduction, debt relief, and language, highlighted the importance of cooperation in solving the city's increasing debt crisis. “It is great news for these families and the whole city that a proactive partner like Nieuw Vaarwater has stepped forward this year,” he stated. “The municipality cannot solve this issue alone, and we need partners across the city to support us.”
Nieuw Vaarwater's role in debt assistance
For over ten years, Nieuw Vaarwater has provided Rotterdammers with support in understanding their debts and creating realistic repayment plans. What sets the organisation apart is its ability to help families not only plan but also directly repay their debts. The foundation primarily focuses on families, offering a lifeline to those who have fallen into debt due to life-changing events such as divorce or job loss.
Koen Jansen, a staff member at Nieuw Vaarwater, explained the types of challenges their clients face. “Many of our clients have been living in poverty for years, often as a result of significant hardships in their lives.”
Overcoming scepticism
While Nieuw Vaarwater offers a valuable service, convincing potential clients can be challenging. The organisation aims to assist 1,000 families per year, yet many people are initially sceptical. “People often ask, 'Why would a stranger pay off my debts, and do I really not have to give anything in return?' It usually takes a serious conversation to assure them that this support is real,” Jansen added.
Clients who have completed the programme, such as Soesma and Angel, shared their experiences. Both initially found it hard to believe that a foundation would clear their debts without any strings attached. However, once the help was received, they felt a renewed sense of freedom.
Client experiences
Soesma, who is currently on a welfare benefit, shared her relief: “I was hesitant at first, but now that I know it’s real, I’m so happy. This help has given me new energy to pursue my dream of starting my own fashion webshop.”
Angel, a single mother of four, echoed this sentiment: “I was working in healthcare, and my finances were stable until my mother fell ill, my relationship ended, and I wasn’t entitled to benefits. I quickly fell into debt. Nieuw Vaarwater paid off my debts, giving me back my financial freedom.”
A call for continued collaboration
Bas Woudstra, the general director of Nieuw Vaarwater, emphasised the importance of continuing to provide this support to more families. “We’ve helped over 100 families get a fresh start, but there are many more in Rotterdam who need the same opportunity. We call on Rotterdammers struggling with financial issues and all social partners in the city to work with us to make this possible.”
Wethouder Mohamed-Hoesein reiterated the importance of partnerships in tackling debt. “It is essential that we continue to actively support Rotterdammers with debt. Partnering with organisations like Nieuw Vaarwater enables us to help families out of debt faster and give them a better future outlook.”
How to seek help
Families in need of financial assistance can apply for support through one of the 14 Vraagwijzer (advice centres) locations in Rotterdam or via the Jongerenloket (youth desk). These municipal offices will refer residents to the most appropriate financial support services available.
Directions to Vraagwijzer and Jongerenloket
Vraagwijzer locations are spread across Rotterdam’s districts, with offices in areas such as Delfshaven, Feijenoord, and Kralingen-Crooswijk. These centres provide walk-in advice services and can refer residents to additional resources based on their needs. The Jongerenloket, focused on youth and young adults, offers targeted financial support for those under 27. For more information, visit: