Questions and Answers: Orfeoschouw 70
Who will be moving in?
The homes are used by different groups of people, depending on who is in urgent need of housing at that time. These include small families, primarily permit holders (also known as status holders). They may also include other people, such as a parent with a child or children who suddenly need housing, or a Ukrainian family for whom the current shelter is inadequate or unsafe.
What are license holders?
Permit holders are asylum seekers with a permanent residence permit.
Why does the municipality of Zoetermeer provide housing for permit holders?
The municipality of Zoetermeer receives an annual mandate from the national government to provide housing for permit holders. In 2026, that number will be 225. The municipality is behind schedule in housing permit holders. Permit holders assigned to Zoetermeer are still staying in asylum seeker centers throughout the Netherlands while waiting for housing. Because there are not enough homes, we are renting additional living space to ensure they have a place to live. These are newly constructed apartments, so we are not using existing (affordable) housing for this purpose.
What kind of people will be living there?
It is not yet known exactly who these families are, but they are, in any case, small families (1 or 2 parents with 1 or 2 children). The breakdown among the various target groups may change over time.
Will there be more traffic?
Traffic is expected to increase slightly. This will mainly consist of slow-moving traffic.
Are there enough parking spaces?
There is ample parking for residents in front of and behind the building. Many of the future residents will not own a car. As a result, parking pressure in the area is not expected to increase.
Is it already certain that the plan will go ahead?
The city council is applying for a grant for this location and expects that the grant will be awarded. You can therefore assume that the plan will go ahead.
Can I object to this plan?
You can share your concerns, requests, and wishes with the municipality. You cannot file an objection, as this involves a private-law agreement (lease) with the property owner. The environmental permit for the renovation and change of use of the property was issued before the summer.
What happens next?
We expect the new residents to move into the property sometime in December 2026. Residents will be given a lease for up to 2 years and will then move on. We are leasing the property initially for a period of 3 years. This may be extended.
Is there a point of contact at the municipality?
The municipality employs site managers who oversee all locations in Zoetermeer where status holders are staying. The best way to contact the site manager is to send an email to orfeoschouw@zoetermeer.nl.
Where else in Zoetermeer does the municipality house permit holders?
We are already housing permit holders on Danny Kayelaan. The municipal executive recently decided that we will also begin housing permit holders on Boerhaavelaan. That building already houses young people, people going through a divorce, and Ukrainians. More housing options for various target groups will be made available in the near future.
Can I volunteer or help out in some other way?
If you'd like to volunteer or have a good idea for helping new residents integrate, please let us know at orfeoschouw@zoetermeer.nl.
Can the municipality keep me informed?
The municipality will notify local residents if there is a reason to do so. If you would like to receive not only letters but also emails in the meantime, please let us know at orfeoschouw@zoetermeer.nl.
Where can I find more information?
New questions are added to this page on an ongoing basis.