Annemarieke van Egeraat on Warm Rotterdam
Combatting poverty, in a different way
The city of Rotterdam is one of the poorest in the Netherlands. According to Annemarieke van Egeraat, things could really be different. Together with Warm Rotterdam, she is pulling out all the stops to reduce poverty. And the secret? A counter-intuitive approach, working together with the people of Rotterdam. In fact, those people living in poverty have become her most important advisors.
Van Egeraat has lived in Rotterdam for a very long time, in fact she had conducted sociological research there. She thought she knew the city well. This understanding changed when, as director of Warm Rotterdam, she heard first-hand accounts from people living in poverty. Van Egeraat: ‘It’s only then you really start to understand the way the system treats vulnerable people and the way in which poverty traumatises them. Poverty scars people deeply. It’s the feeling of not being seen. And being judged as if it’s your own fault. Being completely excluded. Your dignity as a human being is deeply affected.’
A persistent problem
According to Van Egeraat, around 100,000 people in Rotterdam live on or below the poverty line. ‘They don’t have enough money to live on. Every day, their fundamental economic rights are being violated.’ Rotterdam is not the only city to be facing high levels of poverty. Over the years, several initiatives have been introduced aimed at reducing the number of people living in poverty in the Netherlands.
What makes Warm Rotterdam’s approach so promising? ‘The fact that our approach is centred on the first-hand experience of people living in poverty. Nobody knows better than them what it means to be poor. What’s more, only they know exactly what they would have needed to get back on their feet. Everything our organisation provides or brings to the table is based on their experiences.’
Often, officials say to Van Egeraat: ‘Oh, but I know the city well; I know what’s happening.’ Or there are objections, such as: ‘We really aren’t able to talk to everyone.’ However, these arguments no longer hold water. Warm Rotterdam has established an advisory board made up of around 25 so-called experts by experience, representing areas across the city. They share their knowledge with officials, politicians, organisations, companies and residents. ‘Their expertise is the foundation of everything we do, including our campaigns and our efforts to identify systemic issues.’
Essential shopping list
One example is the ‘Financial-Stress-Aware Organisation’ certification, which was created with input from these experts by experience. Its purpose is to identify businesses that are committed to supporting customers and employees experiencing financial difficulties. By offering a helping hand, they are able to prevent an escalation of their debt problems, instead of adding to them. Another example is the basic shopping list, which includes essential everyday items such as wholemeal bread, fruit, rice and milk. Retailers are encouraged to ensure that these items remain affordable for people living in poverty. More recently, a fundamental healthcare list was published, highlighting the most essential types of medication. Experts by experience are also brought in when housing associations engage with residents who are behind on their rent. They also advise water companies about how to approach customers experiencing financial difficulties. Plus, with the help of the Warm Rotterdam team, their knowledge is being shared during city council committee meetings. As Van Egeraat makes it clear: only by changing the system can we reduce poverty.
What would a city without poverty look like?
Warm Rotterdam is giving people with first-hand experience across the city an opportunity to share their insights. In conversation with policymakers for example, or during guest lectures or interviews. Additionally, there is a short video on the website. Here are some of the wishes highlighted in that video:
– Affordable groceries
– Not having to attend school on an empty stomach
– Having the energy to play with your friends
– Feeling good about yourself
– Simple enjoyment of life
– Affordable energy
– Being able live a healthy life
– Not worrying you don’t have enough money
– Not being afraid to ask for help
– Not feeling lonely
– Not being anxious when the doorbell rings