Amsterdam Non-Profit Continues Work Despite COVID-19 Lockdown
Casa Migrante is a warm, welcoming hub for Spanish speakers in Amsterdam, connecting with migrants and Dutch locals alike. It’s a nexus of cultural integration that I’ve experienced myself: having moved over from London – as a native English speaker who’s fluent in Spanish – I made my first friends in Amsterdam within its walls.
In my time as a volunteer, the services I’ve helped provide range from safely storing personal belongings for clients who are homeless or have no fixed accommodation, to arranging Dutch and English courses for Spanish speakers looking to improve their cultural assimilation in the Netherlands, as well as boost their chances of employment.
Language teaching at Casa Migrante
OPEN DOORS AND OPEN MINDS
Casa Migrante is a place that doesn’t discriminate. Its priorities are to help the Spanish-speaking groups that are most in need in the city of Amsterdam, while fostering close connections with the local Dutch community.
Run entirely by volunteers, the organisation is partially funded by Amsterdam authorities, alongside contributions from funding bodies such as Kansfonds. Its collaborative connections include links to AMOC (part of the Rainbow Group), FairWork and the Salvation Army, working on issues ranging from homelessness to unemployment to the wellbeing of sex workers.
It’s an organisation that thrives on the functional relationships between its volunteers and its clients, working closely with local De Pijp residents to improve the quality of life in the neighbourhood.
Vitally, it’s also a place that’s reliably open for a chat and a quick coffee. Usually.
CASA MIGRANTE ADAPTS TO COVID-19
Of course, the lockdown has changed all that. Just like countless community hubs across the world, Casa Migrante has put almost all of its in-person activity on hold to comply with current health guidelines.
But that’s not to say the organisation isn’t hard at work remotely. Casa Migrante’s female empowerment project Minerva has been moved online, as have several of its Dutch language courses.
The Minerva project, providing a safe and empowering space for Spanish-speaking women in Amsterdam
The core team can still be reached daily by phone or email and, as of March 16, had handled over 200 requests for assistance. Wherever possible, the organisation is disseminating official information from the Dutch government and relevant local authorities in Spanish, ensuring its clients stay safe and aware.
Casa Migrante has also used its network of local contacts, including Amsterdam governmental authorities and the Protestantse Diaconie, to coordinate efforts to protect its most vulnerable clients while lockdown continues.
Those that have lost their incomes and homes, as well as women facing increased domestic violence in lockdown, are among the groups particularly at risk at this time.
Casa Migrante: Van Ostadestraat 268, Amsterdam
LOOKING FORWARD
Given the knock-on effects of COVID-19, the Casa Migrante team is expecting an increase in requests for assistance with care and housing allowances over the coming months.
Future funding is also becoming a concern, as the economic downturn brought about by the pandemic will likely mean local authorities cut budgets.
But the principles of the organisation will remain: open doors, an open mindset and taking the time and space to deal with each client’s individual situation as it develops day in, day out.
As a volunteer myself, I know the full team will be back to assisting clients in person – while maintaining safe distances and hygiene measures – just as soon as we can.
For more information about Casa Migrante’s work, visit www.casamigrante.comTo get in touch with the Casa Migrante team, email info@casamigrante.com
Words by correspondent Abi Malins