Opstap Mara gives homeless youth a voice ahead of the Dutch parliamentary elections

• Date: 17 October
• Time: 19:30 - 21:30
• Location: Nieuwspoort

Please note that this debate will be taking place in Dutch.

The number of homeless youth in the Netherlands has increased in recent years. Poverty is often experienced quietly, but with more people living on the streets, it is becoming increasingly visible. In 2024, according to CBS, there were 33,000 homeless people in the Netherlands, including thousands of young people. The total number of homeless people is likely even higher, as minors who are homeless are not included in these figures. A major cause of homelessness is the shortage of housing, especially among young people. It is becoming increasingly difficult to escape a situation of homelessness, and the number of homeless youth continues to rise due to a lack of opportunities to exit the system.

Just a stone’s throw from The Hague Central Station and the Koekamp, where many homeless youth gather daily, candidates for the Dutch House of Representatives will debate with each other—and with homeless youth—about possible solutions. The debate will focus on basic security, rising poverty, and the housing crisis, aiming to address this urgent societal issue in the wake of the upcoming elections.

Participants include lived-experience experts Imane and Ihame, who will share their stories of life on the streets and the harsh realities faced by homeless youth. Candidates for the House of Representatives will have the opportunity to show how they plan to make a difference for this group. The largest parties participating in the elections have been invited to take part.

Confirmed participants:

• CDA: Karsten Klein

• GroenLinks-PvdA: Lisa Westerveld

• NSC: Faith Bruyning

• SP: Sandra Beckerman

Practical information:

• Date: Friday, 17 October 2025

• Time: 19:30 – 21:30

• Moderator: Frits Bloemberg (Het Debatbureau)

• Registration: Email [email protected] or via WhatsApp 0614603760

This debate is organized by Opstap Mara, a project in which volunteers work weekly with homeless youth aged 17–27 in The Hague. Together with volunteers, activities are organized to help homeless youth build social connections outside of shelters. They are guided in reclaiming the areas of life where they have become stuck, supporting them to become socially and financially self-reliant.

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