Preparations for ‘ONS Thuis’ Alphen get underway

Housing association De Kernen and the municipality of West Maas en Waal have commissioned welfare organization Sociom to start recruiting and supervising volunteers for ONS Thuis Alphen. This is a new housing project in the former Edohof on Schoolstraat for six single residents, ranging in age from 55 and above. Each resident has their own living space and they can make use of a communal area and courtyard garden. Volunteers support them with activities as needed.

Connecting and customization

Every resident has their own personal wishes. These are linked together. That is why Ellen Jagtenberg, quartermaster for this project, is looking for volunteers on behalf of Sociom to set up and supervise the social side of this type of housing. This is done together with the residents and is always tailor-made. People are free to be together. Thanks to the meeting place in the heart of the building, a sense of togetherness arises naturally.

Improving quality of life

The three parties are keen to collaborate on this innovative form of housing for residents who feel it appeals to them. "I believe in a community where you can grow old in a pleasant way," says Marinus Kempe, director of De Kernen. Former alderman Bert van Swam emphasizes this: "ONS Thuis means staying at home longer in Alphen." Sociom already supports volunteer advisors and other volunteers. That is why it also recruits and supervises the volunteers for this project. "The residential and meeting function offers villagers aged 55 and over the opportunity to participate together for longer and also improves the quality of life," conclude Ellen Jagtenberg and Roland van der Heijden, director of Sociom.

More information

Those interested in the homes or in volunteering can contact ejagtenberg38@gmail.com.