Wietske Alberts and Vincent Pouw
Care and attention at the clothing bank
"With each other, for each other," that's what the acronym MEVE stands for. And that is actually also what this story is about. It is the story of Wietske Alberts and Vincent Pouw. Two people who have lost their hearts to the clothing bank in the Waterbuurt. Together they coordinate all the work needed to make this necessary store a success.
Underneath the apartment on the Dijkwater there is space for boutique MEVE where low-income people like to come. The selection of second-hand clothing is large. For women, men and children. There are 5000 people registered who have in common that they all have (very) little money to spend. When they walk into the clothing bank they can buy 5 pieces of clothing for a very low amount once every 2 weeks for most types of clothing. And once every quarter another piece of clothing such as jackets, sportswear etc.
"We do poverty alleviation," says Wietske. "And not only that. The clothing bank also has a social function. We hear here what people are up against in their lives. And those are quite poignant, personal stories. If we can help, we do. If only by giving love, attention and companionship. But also by selling clothes and items very cheaply. For example, children can wear clothes appropriate to the season again. Instead of them still wearing winter shoes in the summer because they have nothing else."
With each other. That's not just Wietske and Vincent. But also the 35 volunteers who are active in picking and sorting clothes and stuff. Because besides clothes, there is also room for a "euro store" with "beautifications for the living room. Here, plates, cups, candlesticks, pans, etc. are sold for a very small price. The offerings are neat and tidy. "By the way, more volunteers are welcome to join us," says Vincent. "After the corona period, the number of volunteers has halved. This while both the supply of clothing and the demand from 'clients' is only growing. Additional volunteers are needed."
Garbage bags of clothes and belongings are brought in every day. Sometimes up to 100 bags a day. From Zoetermeer, but also beyond. Sometimes with clothes that still have price tags on them. This shows that there is a growing difference between rich and poor. On the one hand, the increasing supply of beautiful clothes and stuff from people who want to give it a second chance. And on the other hand, the story of our clients having to putty their own pans because they are leaky. Because there is no money to buy other pans. This is how supply and demand come together. Although sometimes it seems like 2 separate worlds.
Clothes that do not make it to the store because the quality is too low are sorted separately. These go to an organization that extracts clothes for use in refugee camps. A portion also goes to students at the fashion school. The remaining fabrics are used to make new materials such as car tires. In this way, the clothing bank is part of a total recycling process.
Wietske and Vincent themselves have not had it easy either. But working at the clothing bank does them both good. They have both been working there for about 10 years and don't regret it for a moment. "For me it has been a rescue," says Wietske. "I was in a very difficult period when they asked me if I wanted to do something at the clothing bank. After some doubt, I decided to do it anyway. Because if I hadn't had it then I never would have done it again." Vincent, before working here, worked as a chef about 60 to 70 hours a week. Until his body said it was no longer possible. "I also work a lot now, but if it's just a day that's no longer possible, that's okay too."
The clothing bank does not receive a subsidy. Therefore, they also have to earn something to cover the costs of rent, among other things. A difficult balance because they don't want the prices to rise too high. "A candlestick in the thrift store easily costs 4 euros. That's already too much for many people. Here you can buy it for 1 euro."
The clothing bank MEVE is located at Dijkwater 3 in Meerzicht. Opening hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
