The Mission
Our mission is to empower economically disadvantaged individuals and people experiencing homelessness by providing access to employment, vocational training, temporary housing, and social support. We aim to create sustainable opportunities for individuals seeking a second chance, helping them achieve financial independence while addressing labor shortages and strengthening social inclusion.
The Challenge
Over 300 million people worldwide are homeless [1], of whom 33,000 lives per year (ages 18-65) are affected in the Netherlands [2]. Despite the struggle with accommodation, studies have shown that most homeless people are more prone to mental disorders compared to the general community [3]. Another challenge is unemployment, with 57% to over 90% of homeless people facing it [4]. Currently, homeless shelters provide temporary accommodation, or some people live in poor conditions such as crowding or hazardous aspects. In addition, employment or social services (volunteering) can be neglected or struggle to have a multi-network. In other words, this can limit a healthy lifestyle and prevent independence. An important remark on the research industry is the lack of volunteers for studies, particularly in the Netherlands, where sample size and results can be affected [5]. This can prevent certain tests from being conducted efficiently and, hence, not reported [6]. (1) UN-Habitat Assembly opens with urgent global call to action on housing. UN-Habitat. https://unhabitat.org/news/29-may-2025/un-habitat-assembly-opens-with-urgent-global-call-to-action-on-housing. (2) Times, N. Homelessness increased 22% in Netherlands; 33,000 unhoused people last year. NL Times. January 28, 2025. https://nltimes.nl/2025/01/28/homelessness-increased-22-netherlands-33000-unhoused-people-last-year. (3) Barry, R.; Anderson, J.; Tran, L.; Bahji, A.; Dimitropoulos, G.; Ghosh, S. M.; Kirkham, J.; Messier, G.; Patten, S. B.; Rittenbach, K.; Seitz, D. Prevalence of mental health disorders among individuals experiencing homelessness. JAMA Psychiatry 2024, 81 (7), 691. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.0426. (4) Homeless Policy Research Institute. Homelessness and Employment - HPRI. HPRI. https://hpri.usc.edu/homeless_research/homelessness-and-employment/. (5) Küçükaksu, M. H.; Jansen, L.; Hoekstra, T.; Helmig, S.; Adriaanse, M. C.; Van Meijel, B. Implementation of a smoking cessation intervention for people with severe mental illness in ambulatory mental healthcare (KISMET): A process evaluation. PLoS ONE 2025, 20 (4), e0322160. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0322160. (6) Strada, L.; Martinelli, T.; Van Der Gouwe, D.; Korteling, S.; Cruts, G.; Groothuizen, M.; Bakker, I.; Busz, M.; Van Laar, M. Population Size Estimate of People With High-Risk Opioid Use and an Exploration of People With High-Risk Use of Crack Cocaine and Other Drugs in the Netherlands OPAAK Project Final Report. https://www.trimbos.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/TRI-41-016-OPAAK-project.pdf (accessed 2026-10-22).
The solution
We propose a government-supported program that combines vocational education, part-time employment, affordable modular housing, and AI-driven management. Through partnerships with municipalities, universities, and employers, participants gain practical skills and work experience while receiving essential support. AI integration improves resource allocation, tracks skill development, and supports transparent program oversight, creating a scalable and sustainable pathway toward economic independence.