BuurToren: Collective Action for Housing and Solidarity #

BuurToren consists of a large group of dedicated volunteers, including neighbors and established humanitarian organisations, who work together to create an inclusive space for people in vulnerable situations. Based on the belief that everyone has the right to dignity, warmth, and a place to breathe, we offer an accessible and safe environment to people who have fallen through the cracks.

BuurToren was founded following the protest against the abolition of the Bed-Bad-Brood scheme (later LVV). This scheme provided temporary and humane shelter for undocumented immigrants in Rotterdam. This is a government responsibility, as it is obligated by fundamental human rights. But the government is now withdrawing.

We are committed Rotterdammers who are taking matters into our own hands and are not going to wait for the government to take action for these vulnerable people.

Our long-term goal is to house homeless people, people without legal residency, and others who are temporarily without a roof over their heads. We want to offer them not just coffee, soup, or a hot meal, but above all, attention, humanity, and a space to relax.

We find it unbelievable and incomprehensible that 17,000 buildings in Rotterdam are currently vacant while people are dying in the streets. We find this unacceptable. That’s why our collective action is not only responsible but also a moral obligation. We’re not doing this for ourselves, but for others. The BuurToren project launched at the end of 2024 and has carefully considered all the pros and cons.