Interwonen Wassenaar opened: new step toward recovery for 28 residents

In the former O&O building on the Zonneveld, Interwonen Wassenaar was officially opened yesterday afternoon. The new Salvation Army location offers 28 people from vulnerable backgrounds guidance in their final step toward independent living. The residents will move in in phases. The project is part of the Regiovisie Beschermd Wonen en Maatschappelijke Opvangvang 2022-2025, in which five municipalities are working together on recovery-oriented Health.

Opening act: an apple tree as symbolism

The festive opening was performed by Alderman Social Domain, Ritske Bloemendaal (municipality of Wassenaar), Alderman Poverty, Inclusion, Health and International Affairs, Mariëlle Vavier (municipality of The Hague), Captain Harm Slomp, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Salvation Army and Marc Verberg, regional director Salvation Army W&G region Northwest. An apple tree was planted as an opening act, symbolizing growth and hope.

Regional Director Marc Verberg (Salvation Army): "Here we offer people who have been struggling a warm, safe place. Not just a roof over their heads, but guidance, closeness and perspective. For people who want to grow, recover and find their place in society again. And they can do that here-with the guidance of our colleagues and thanks to the willingness of the Wassenaar municipality to provide a safety net."

Alderman Social Domain, Ritske Bloemendaal: "We are proud that this building, with its rich history in Wassenaar, will now become a safe haven for people in need of support. As a municipality, we have been closely involved in working with the Salvation Army and the municipality of The Hague to shape the social purpose of the former O&O building. Thank you to all local residents and other interested Wassenaarders who made it possible for Interwonen to open yesterday."