In The Hague, an estimated 7,100 people sleep without a roof over their heads — and those are just the officially counted. In reality, the number is likely much higher. Last night, we joined Veldwerk Haaglanden on their evening outreach. We witnessed what cold, rain, and hopelessness do to people. But we also saw what warmth can do — both literally and emotionally.
Together on the streets
Twice a week, Veldwerk Haaglanden drives through The Hague with their outreach bus. It’s not about large-scale distributions, but about personal connection. Volunteers bring food, drinks, dry clothing, sleeping bags, and Shelterbags. They listen to stories that often haven’t been heard in a long time.
When we go out on the streets with our bus, we’re the light in their evening.
- Diederik, Volunteer Veldwerk Haaglanden -
But Veldwerk Haaglanden does more than offer practical help. The team often serves as a bridge to recovery. They help people reconnect with the municipality and other organizations, and when possible, offer shelter combined with work opportunities. Sometimes, all that’s needed first is a moment of rest, a safe pause to explore what might be possible next. Volunteers also accompany people to appointments, knowing how different those moments can be when you don’t have to go alone. It’s this personal connection that makes all the difference. People who have been ignored for months finally get the space to simply be human again.
The difference between lying awake and getting to sleep
Many people living on the streets haven’t slept properly for days. A Shelterbag is no luxury, it’s a lifeline. Wind- and waterproof, with a built-in mat and space to safely store personal belongings, it offers a small but vital layer of protection against the freezing cold.
A Shelterbag doesn’t just provide warmth, it restores dignity.
With a Shelterbag, they can at least have a normal night’s rest, they’re incredibly grateful for it.”
- Diederik, Volunteer Veldwerk Haaglanden -
Hope in a Shelterbag
During our round, we met Mattheus, a man of Polish origin who has been living on the streets in the Netherlands for years. He struggles with addiction but remains kind, grateful, and happy to see the volunteers from Veldwerk Haaglanden. They visit him every week, bringing food, clean clothes, and sometimes just a listening ear.
That evening, we were able to give him a Shelterbag. His eyes lit up as he hugged our Sheltersuit colleague tightly — a gesture that said everything about how much it meant to him.
Thank you so much, this gives me hope.
- Mattheus, a man without a home in The Hague -
It’s hard to stay unmoved in such a moment. One Shelterbag can change a person’s night and sometimes even their will to keep going.
Life on the streets is getting tougher
For many people without a home, there simply isn’t space in shelters. Without official documents, they’re often only allowed inside when it freezes, when it’s already too late. Until then, they sleep in damp tents or under bridges, exhausted, sick, and sometimes without food. Alcohol or drugs often become a way to stay warm or to numb the cold. But what they truly need is protection, rest, and the feeling that someone cares.
Help is still urgently needed in The Hague
Temperatures are dropping, but the need is rising. Every day, people like Mattheus sleep outside ,without warmth, without safety, without hope of recovery. Veldwerk Haaglanden continues to go out, but they can’t do it alone.
With your support, we can produce and distribute more Shelterbags to those who need them most.
Donate today, so fewer people in The Hague have to spend another night outside without protection.
Together, we can make sure more people experience a warm and dignified night.
