Straatalliantie was formed as a collaboration between Bureau Straatjurist, Belangenvereniging Druggebruikers MDHG, and the Daklozenvakbond. Since 2024, Straatalliantie has become an independent foundation, which includes Bureau Straatjurist. Belangenvereniging Druggebruikers MDHG and the Daklozenvakbond have remained independent organizations, but collaborations with them in advocacy continue. Belangenvereniging Druggebruikers MDHG specifically focuses on drug users, while the Daklozenvakbond focuses on mail addresses.

Straatalliantie offers independent client support. This support can include social or legal assistance. Additionally, Straatalliantie is committed to collective advocacy. The goal is to ensure that there is sufficient independent, high-quality legal and client support for all (potentially) homeless individuals in Amsterdam.

We want all (potentially) homeless individuals who can benefit from and need this support to be aware of client support services and to be able to access them easily. This also applies to people who are excluded by other organizations and have nowhere else to turn.

Because Straatalliantie is convinced that accessible access is essential for effective support and legal protection, the Daklozenkantoor was opened in 2022. This is a place where individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless can use office facilities and work on solving their problems, if desired with the help of available support.

Independent client support is regulated by the Wet Maatschappelijke Ondersteuning. It is intended for anyone with questions about areas such as independent living, care and support, participation, housing, education, and work and income.

The client supporters at Straatalliantie are independent and advocate in the best interest of the visitor. They make decisions only in consultation and coordination with the visitor.

Client supporters can provide various types of assistance based on different competencies and qualities:

a. Clarifying: Helping to articulate the need or request for assistance, reviewing complex documents, and translating these into practical and concrete actions.

b. Advising: Advising on steps to take, referring to the appropriate agency, suggesting what might be helpful, etc.

c. Mediator: Mediating between the client and, for example, another agency.

d. Advocacy: Representing the client’s interests, drafting objections, and filing complaints on behalf of the client.

Additionally, independent client support includes other roles such as collective advocacy, outreach work, expertise based on experience, or simply providing a listening ear.

Not only does independent client support provide value for clients, but the client supporter can also be seen as a bridge between the client and a (care) organization. The client supporter can help clarify the question, communicate it clearly, and bring calm if needed. This enables a staff member of the (care) organization or service provider to act more quickly and effectively or to initiate the appropriate care or support. Additionally, we support staff members who encounter difficulties in certain cases or who are unsure of the correct routes or options. Sometimes, it helps for a client or service provider if someone with an independent perspective reviews the situation and provides advice.

Due to our independence and the fact that we are not directly involved in the care provision (unlike a service provider), we can view the situation with an objective perspective. As independent client supporters, we do not provide care ourselves but rather stand alongside the care process. The staff member of Straatalliantie will always stand by the client, support them with their questions, and check if there are any additional issues. Straatalliantie has direct lines of communication with organizations in the care chain and can thus quickly respond at the individual client level. We strive to maintain this independent stance by being critical of our own role and holding each other accountable. At the client level, this starts with allowing the client’s question to be the guiding factor.

At the Daklozenkantoor, you can use various facilities, including computers, printers, scanners, and the telephone. Support is also available. The client supporters will, if necessary, connect with regular services and other agencies. There are experts with lived experience, volunteers, client supporters, and social legal service providers present. They are ready to assist with small practical matters, care referrals, resolving conflicts within and outside the care chain, and support with social legal questions such as objections or complaints, or preventing eviction.

Feel free to stop by to get acquainted. We only take action on matters if you want us to, and always in your best interest. The staff have extensive knowledge of all aspects related to homelessness, such as shelter, mail addresses, support services, and legal issues. We are happy to help you with your needs!