Coming home to Casa Migrante

The entrance to the world of Casa Migrante is located on Van Ostadestraat in Amsterdam South. A beautiful wooden gate decorates the outside of the building, then you enter the dark concrete colossus (the building of the diocese), a bunker in a modernist style full of stairs, spaces, and corners. This building is incredibly special and you are immediately welcomed hospitably because welcoming people and making them feel at home is the number one priority for this organization.61 years ago, Casa Migrante was founded to help guest workers from Spain and later also migrants from Latin America find their way in Dutch society. Nowadays, they also assist newcomers, lonely neighbors, undocumented individuals, women in prostitution, provide support in cases of domestic violence, fraud, psychiatric care, and much more. There is a weekly program with various activities such as a drop-in for a cup of coffee, a chat, or a game of chess, language lessons, a women’s club, and a helpdesk of healthcare professionals where people with all kinds of questions can turn to.

Intercultural coziness

Toos Beentjes has been involved with Casa Migrante for over thirty years, currently in the coordination team. “This is a unique place. We are a close-knit community where we try to offer people a sense of home. Important, and much needed in these times. Together with three others, I oversee the daily activities at Casa Migrante. It is very diverse work. Our knowledge of various topics (legislation, social issues, new developments) is updated monthly. This way, we can continue to provide good support. There is also a lot of room for socializing. We have a large intercultural group of volunteers. We know how to support and encourage each other. I find the commitment of this group really beautiful.”

Home

This volunteer work brings me a lot: unexpected moments of happiness, contact with beautiful people, even with people who are not allowed to be in society. Recently, I was able to lead a farewell for a woman who passed away at the age of 81 due to corona. On the day of her death, the news came in that she was legal. Yes, I meet very special people here and every day is different. I love connecting with people and the liveliness that is sometimes here. I feel at home here.”

Ready to start working at Casa Migrante?

They are currently looking for someone to join the coordination team (which also includes Toos). Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.More information and respond:https://www.vca.nu/vrijwilligers-vacatures/coordinator-3/

Photo: Huub Zeeman
Text: Dasha van Amsterdam