The Hague is reporting a €14 million funding shortfall for homelessness services, as major Dutch municipalities call on the national government to provide at least €100 million more each year for emergency accommodation and support.
The appeal comes from the four largest cities, known as the G4, together with the G40 network of cities. In a press release issued ahead of the parliamentary debate on 11 November, the municipality said national funding was failing to keep pace with the cost of providing shelter.
The reported shortfall in The Hague compares with €18.5 million in Amsterdam, €15 million in Rotterdam and €4.9 million in Utrecht. These figures are those provided in the municipal announcement.
Municipalities provide maatschappelijke opvang: temporary accommodation and support for people experiencing homelessness. The cities say they are having to cover substantial additional costs from their own budgets.
The Hague’s alderman responsible for homelessness services, Arjen Dubbelaar, called for the national government to provide funding that matches the responsibilities placed on municipalities.
The cities support the Wonen Eerst, or Housing First, approach, which prioritises access to a safe, stable home. However, they argue that housing plans will take years to deliver results and that adequate shelter is needed in the meantime.
The appeal highlights the pressure on local services while longer-term housing solutions are developed. This report covers the municipalities’ funding request; it does not report an outcome from the parliamentary debate.
Source: gemeente Den Haag press release, 11 November 2026. Translated and adapted into English by The Hague Online.
Photo: Jurriaan Brobbel / gemeente Den Haag.