Angelo Schuurmans
founder of home in oss/ specialist in refugee reception and integration
I left for the Greek island of Leros as a volunteer towards the end of 2015. My goal was to stay for a month and lend a hand with the refugee crisis presenting there due to the war in Syria. The unbelievable situation I encountered on the island, and the contact I had there with so many hopeful people I met, completely changed my life. When I got home, I charted a new course.
I began a volunteer organisation – Home in Oss – and since that time, it has organised projects and activities for those who are new in the Netherlands. Since 2022, Home in Oss has taken up the mantle and now independently runs all the shelters in Oss for Ukrainians and others seeking asylum; crucially, Oss is the first municipality to close a multi-year project agreement with the Ministry in the Hague. Naturally, cities around our country are very interested in the way we do things.
I have documented my journey and process in this field of work in a book to be published by Meulenhof de Boekerij later this year. It will outline the imperative of this line of human-led work, acting as a practical guide for those working in refugee reception and integration. Stay tuned and follow me on my socials below for more info!
My journey began in 2015 as a volunteer in the Port of Leros, Greece. Image: Britt Pols
My vision is simple: integration only works when people get to know one another and carry the load together!
everybody must feel welcome in order to integrate successfully. after all, this is people work – it depends on connection and cooperation.
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my core values
residents at the helm
Ownership of your living environment and understanding of the responsibility this involves places control exactly where it needs to be, namely with those newly arrived who are living in the shelter or in the next house over!
self-reliance
Self-reliance is a key understanding in the Dutch healthcare and wellness sector, but doesn’t always sink in for those who newly come and live here. I have seen autonomy work; a warm welcome where volunteers and professionals stand ready with open arms, helping new members of the community stand on their own feet, but encouraging them to ask for help when needed.
bottom up…
…is the way to go! Not speaking to, but speaking with people. Giving the narrative form and making decisions with all those involved together. When you work from the needs of your intended audience, you guarantee your own success!
Consensus is the cornerstone of successful reception and integration. Image: Thomas Segers
Raising community awareness helps spreads a more positive message. Image: Thomas Segers
Regular (fun!) activities foster solidarity among volunteers. Image: Thomas Segers
in the press
Articles in Dutch
ready to get to it?
City-led operations in this field are new and Oss has recently become the first municipality in the Netherlands to be awarded with a multi-year reception and resettlement agreement.
Curious to learn more? I would love to share my vision and experience with you! This can happen with a casual chat, in a formal advisory role, with a group presentation, motivational talk, or something more tailored to your needs.
Let’s build resilient, open and harmonious communities together! 🫶🏼