Lives on Hold: The Human Face of the Housing Crisis
In Rotterdam alone, over 100,000 people are actively seeking affordable housing. Through Gewoon Wonen’s “365 Home Seekers” campaign, we share daily stories of those whose lives are paused by this ongoing crisis. Imagine a family of 5 crammed into a tiny studio, a divorced woman forced to sleep on her mother’s couch for years, or an elderly person endlessly waiting for an accessible apartment.
The housing shortage is about more than numbers. It’s about human lives and dreams put on hold, and futures left uncertain. Every day, we highlight these personal struggles to remind everyone that behind every statistic, there’s a real person affected by the housing crisis.
Together with over 365 people actively searching for a home, we’ve created a tear-off calendar. We’ve personally delivered this calendar to the most influential figures involved in addressing the Dutch housing crisis. From the Ministry of Housing to municipalities across the country. It now serves as a daily reminder, strategically placed to highlight the urgency and the human stories at the heart of this crisis.
Tell their stories
These are just some of the people featured in our calendar. Help us amplify their voices by sharing their stories on your social media. Don’t forget to tag us @gewoonwonennu or use #gewoonwonen. Let’s keep telling human stories together!
“Even with a job and savings, I still can't find a place to live. I've been homeless for months now.”
“After a breakup, I was forced to move back in with my parents.”
