ROTTERDAM, 17 July 2025 – Despite new shelters and increased attention, homelessness in Rotterdam continues to rise. In response, the municipality, regional ombudsman, and dozens of care and housing organisations have pledged stronger cooperation to reverse the trend.

Rotterdam intensifies approach to rising homelessness

Rotterdam continues to see a growing number of people without stable housing—both those sleeping rough and the so-called ‘invisible homeless’ staying temporarily with friends, family or in shelters. To confront this escalating issue, the Municipality of Rotterdam, the Ombudsman Rotterdam-Rijnmond (ORR), and a wide network of organisations in care, safety, and housing have announced a joint agenda for action.

According to Alderman Ronald Buijt, responsible for care, elderly services and youth welfare, over one hundred additional spaces have been created over the past year for people sleeping on sofas. A new shelter for EU migrants without access to regular benefits or housing support was also opened on Volkelstraat. However, these efforts have not led to a decline in homelessness.

“The nuisance associated with this group remains a challenge in many neighbourhoods,” Buijt stated. “We must adopt a different approach. Together with ORR and care partners, we have now outlined our principles in a vision document and implementation agenda.”

Ombudsman calls for radical change

Marianne van den Anker, ombudsman for Rotterdam-Rijnmond, described the situation as unacceptable: “In a city like Rotterdam, it is inhumane that people must survive in degrading conditions on the streets. Residents express concern both for those experiencing homelessness and for the disturbances in their neighbourhoods.”

She warned that the lack of affordable housing, shelter capacity, and care services prevents timely assistance, often allowing personal crises to escalate. “Help arrives too late—when people have already collapsed. That makes recovery far more difficult. We need a rigorous, ‘ombuds-proof’ approach that ensures nobody falls through the cracks of bureaucracy.”

Goals of the new cooperation

The joint initiative will focus on prevention, targeted outreach, and improved access to suitable help. A key aim is to strengthen connections between care services and public safety. Special attention will be given to rough sleepers, people avoiding care, and EU migrants who are not eligible for standard support.

Efforts will also be made to improve governance, increase the availability of suitable shelter options, and create sustainable solutions for the most vulnerable groups. Coordination and information-sharing among formal and informal networks will be reinforced. Responsibilities within this cross-sector collaboration will be clearly defined.

Implementation agenda published

These plans and commitments have been recorded in the Implementation agenda for the integrated approach to homelessness, Rotterdam 2025 (Uitvoeringsagenda Integrale Aanpak Dak- en Thuisloosheid, Rotterdam 2025). The document serves as the foundation for intensified cooperation among the city, ORR and numerous care and welfare organisations. It complements existing policies and action plans, while introducing a more unified and holistic strategy.

Location of the new shelter

One of the new shelter locations opened for EU migrants without entitlement to standard support is located on Volkelstraat. The street lies in Rotterdam's northwest, within a mixed residential and industrial area accessible by public transport and near major roads.

ROTTERDAM, 14 July 2025 – In an effort to address the growing digital divide, the municipality has opened a subsidy scheme for organisations aiming to improve digital inclusion among adult residents.

Municipality opens subsidy for digital inclusion projects

Rotterdam continues its efforts towards a more inclusive society, with a new subsidy scheme under the ‘Digital Inclusion’ (Digitale Inclusie) programme. The initiative seeks to equip more residents with essential digital skills in response to the increasing digitalisation of everyday life.

The programme was created to support initiatives that enhance digital self-sufficiency and resilience. It particularly targets residents who may struggle with navigating the digital world, as activities such as work, education, healthcare, and social contact increasingly move online.

Support for small-scale and innovative projects

The municipality will fund small-scale, innovative projects that complement existing offerings. Eligible initiatives must focus on residents aged 18 and above and aim to improve digital literacy, promote safe internet practices, raise awareness of online risks, or provide knowledge about artificial intelligence.

Volunteers may also be trained to organise and deliver educational activities as part of the supported projects. The scheme is open to all organisations that can demonstrate a relevant and impactful approach.

Focus on equal opportunities

Alderman Faouzi Achbar commented: “Rotterdam is committed to building an inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunities. The pace of digitalisation is rapid, and we must ensure that all residents understand what this means and how to adapt. The Digital Inclusion subsidy helps remove barriers so that no one is left behind.”

Application process

Organisations can submit subsidy applications for projects scheduled to take place in 2025. Applications must be received no later than 15 September 2025. Detailed conditions and the application form are available on the municipal website at www.rotterdam.nl/subsidies.

ROTTERDAM, 16 July 2025 – Rotterdam has allocated €2.5 million in subsidies to support twelve companies working on hydrogen and circular economy innovations. The funding, drawn from the municipality’s Duurzaamheidstransitiebudget (sustainability transition budget), aims to support the city’s energy transition, promote technological development, and stimulate job creation.

Rotterdam supports sustainable innovations with €2.5 million

Twelve Rotterdam-based companies have been selected to receive municipal subsidies totalling €2.5 million. The selected proposals focus on hydrogen-related projects and innovations in the circular economy. Funding was made available via the city’s Duurzaamheidstransitiebudget (DTB), intended to facilitate sustainability transitions and strengthen the future resilience of the local economy.

Of the total amount, €2 million was reserved for hydrogen-focused innovations. An additional €480,000 was awarded to circular economy initiatives that promote reuse and bio-based materials.

Hydrogen projects strengthen city’s international role

Six of nine submitted hydrogen-related proposals have received funding, supporting Rotterdam’s ambition to remain a leading global hydrogen hub. These include:

• eFuels Rotterdam (Power2X) – a feasibility study for a plant to produce sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) from green methanol at Advario’s site.
• HYER Entropy – development of flexible hydrogen systems and smart software to accelerate port decarbonisation.
• LH² Bunkerbarge – design of an innovative bunkering vessel to supply liquid hydrogen to ships.
• LH2 Loading Arm – development of a safe and efficient loading arm for transferring liquid hydrogen.
• Mana Hydrogen Hotel Load – study into partially powering coastal vessels with hydrogen.
• Flexolyser (BatolyseR) – a feasibility study on a flexible electrolyser designed to perform under fluctuating electricity prices.

Circular economy projects focus on reuse and bio-based materials

Six circular economy proposals were also granted subsidies from among 27 applications. These projects target sustainable material reuse and innovation in biodegradable materials. Funded initiatives include:

• Foamlab – research into the fire-resistance and moisture resistance of insulation foam made from bacterial nanocellulose.
• Blue Circle Olefins – a feasibility study for a plant converting green methanol into components for sustainable plastics.
• Re:first – development of a pilot line to recycle glass fibre composites from sources such as wind turbine blades into infrastructure materials.
• Byewaste – pilot of logistical and digital tools to scale up book reuse.
• Symbiomatter – study of a compostable foam alternative to fossil-based foam products.
• Green Hub Zuid Holland – development of a processing hub for regional biobased waste streams such as roadside grass clippings.

Municipal leadership on sustainable development

Alderman Robert Simons, responsible for the port and economy portfolio, stated:
“These subsidies help Rotterdam-based entrepreneurs realise their sustainable innovations more rapidly. We are not only stimulating new technologies but also generating additional employment and business activity in the city. This is an investment in the future – a robust, sustainable economy where employment and innovation go hand in hand.”

ROTTERDAM, 11 July 2025 – The transformation of Hofplein will go beyond aesthetics, with the municipality and BAM Infra Nederland launching the first Socio-Economic Impact Deal to generate employment and stimulate the local economy.

_{Image: Jil Ligterink, director at BAM Infra Nederland, and alderman Tim Versnel with the Socio-Economic Impact Deal at Hofplein}

First socio-economic impact deal links Hofplein works to jobs and growth

The planned redesign of Hofplein into a green, pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly city square is set to bring more than just visual improvement. The project will also serve as a catalyst for employment opportunities and local economic development, following the signing of the first Socio-Economic Impact Deal (SEID) between the municipality of Rotterdam and BAM Infra Nederland.

The agreement, signed ceremonially on Friday 11 July by alderman Tim Versnel (responsible for Work and Income) and BAM Infra Nederland director Jil Ligterink, introduces a new model of collaboration in large-scale urban developments. It aims to boost employment in the infrastructure and construction sectors, particularly among young people in special education (pro- and vso-leerlingen), and to encourage procurement from Rotterdam-based businesses.

A new model for local impact

Under the agreement, BAM Infra Nederland and the municipality will jointly create pathways into employment for more Rotterdam residents, specifically in the civil engineering and waterworks sectors, where demand for skilled labour remains high. Partnerships with local schools are a key component, offering students early exposure to vocational opportunities in the industry.

Additionally, the renovation will prioritise regional sourcing, with a focus on engaging social enterprises and local suppliers. This approach is intended to ensure that the project’s economic benefits are felt within the local community.

Alderman Tim Versnel commented, “This collaboration with BAM Infra is unique in the Netherlands. We are transforming the heart of Rotterdam—Hofplein—while also creating jobs for our residents and economic momentum for local businesses. It is the first time we are working this closely with our partners on such an initiative.”

BAM Infra Nederland’s director Jil Ligterink added, “With this deal, we are building not only a greener Hofplein but also sustainable opportunities for the people of Rotterdam. By working with schools and local entrepreneurs, we make our impact tangible and future-proof. At BAM, craftsmanship and social responsibility go hand in hand.”

Broader ambitions

This SEID at Hofplein is the first of its kind in Rotterdam. The municipality intends to expand this approach to other large-scale urban projects, including the construction of the Nelson Mandela Park in Maashaven and the greening of the Hofbogen.

Directions to Hofplein

Hofplein is located in central Rotterdam, at the intersection of key roads including the Schiekade and Coolsingel. The area is a major transit and pedestrian hub, easily accessible via tram and metro from Rotterdam Centraal station. The future redesign will improve the environment for cyclists and pedestrians, reducing space for cars to create a more liveable urban space.