What is the layout of Vosmaerstraat?
The odd-numbered houses on Vosmaerstraat in Amsterdam Oud-West are all part of a single building. Since 1985, the former “Observatiehuis van de Vereniging Hulp voor Onbehuisden” (Observation House of the Association for the Homeless) has consisted of residential groups that currently provide housing for 43 people. The building has eight corridors, each forming a residential group, with a ninth residential group of two people located in the former director’s residence on the ground floor. Each residential group has between 4 and 7 residents, each resident has their own space and shares the showers, toilets and kitchen with the other residents of the residential group. Not to be forgotten is the wonderful garden for all residents, which has been transformed into a little paradise where chickens and cats roam among the trees, flowers and vegetable garden and, of course, the residents.
Over the years, each residential group has developed its own identity. Below are some quotes from current residents about what life on Vosmaerstraat means to them.
‘Many of us have lived here for years, some for decades; this is our home. We have our lives and our community here: families with children, a communal garden where we grow vegetables, chickens that we take care of together.’
‘Our hallway is predominantly queer. We emphasize keeping our community safe, accepting and open–minded. It is important for us to be able to choose who we live with in terms of safety and the ability to be ourselves and feel free in our own home.’
‘We don’t just share a roof, we share a life. We form a close–knit community: we cook together, share groceries, discuss our day at the table and watch TV together. We share our home. The only thing we do separately is sleep. Our living situation can best be described as a modern household, or even a kind of family.’
‘We garden together, take care of shared spaces and support each other through the seasons of life.’