Written by: Soraya Asood

You may have noticed while walking through the city center of Groningen that many homeless individuals are seeking shelter or wandering the streets.

The number of homeless individuals in Groningen is alarmingly on the rise. The consequences of this are visible in the streets. Camps are appearing in and around the city where people are living under dire conditions.

For more insight into the extent of the issue in Groningen, the spokesperson refers to the report "Monitor Homelessness Groningen." The report, published in July this year, states that the number of homeless individuals in the province of Groningen has increased from 787 to 834 over the past five years. These figures do not include homeless individuals in women's shelters or those sleeping on couches at friends' houses.

Moreover, the total number of homeless individuals in the province in 2023 rises to 1,250. In 2021, that number was 937. The vast majority of these individuals reside in the city of Groningen. This is a significant increase, particularly in the number of homeless people living outdoors—those staying in tents, encampments, parks, or doorways. In 2019, Groningen had 67 homeless individuals sleeping outside; four years later, that number has risen to 186.

The report does not provide any information about the backgrounds of these individuals. Therefore, it is unknown whether they are immigrants, homeless people from other parts of the country, individuals choosing to sleep outside, or those in distress who have nowhere to turn. However, the report does mention potential causes.

But be aware of people begging for money, a group of professional beggars are active in Groningen. You might recognize them, sitting on the ground in the Herestraat with a sign ‘I’m very hungry. God bless you’.

They are also spotted in other cities, from Amersfoort to Utrecht, Amsterdam, London, and Brighton. The signs used are almost identical everywhere. The conclusion on Reddit is that these are not genuine homeless individuals or beggars. "These people are dropped off by a van and have to turn in part of their earnings at the end of the day. They are just con artists."

This seems to be the case. According to people within the homeless community in Groningen, these individuals come from the East and are part of an organized begging operation. This aligns with reports from other parts of Western Europe.

The rising homelessness in Groningen is a complex issue, with the number of individuals living outdoors significantly increasing in recent years. While the official statistics highlight a growing crisis, the presence of organized begging operations complicates perceptions of the homeless community. Reports suggest that some beggars may not be genuine residents of Groningen, as they appear to be part of a larger, organized network operating across various cities. Addressing the root causes of homelessness, while also distinguishing between authentic needs and exploitative practices, will be crucial for developing effective solutions to this urgent social challenge.

The Amount of Homeless People in Groningen Is…