Would you like to contribute to a welcoming environment for undocumented Amsterdammers? The Hushu House team is looking for enthusiastic caretakers to join the team.
Would you like to contribute to a welcoming environment for undocumented Amsterdammers? The Hushu House team is looking for enthusiastic caretakers to join the team! The commitment is four hours every two weeks in the evenings and/or weekends (preferably Wednesday evenings or Saturdays in the initial phase).
In December 2024, the Hushu House opened its doors in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. This information and support center offers assistance to Amsterdammers without a valid residence permit. The Hushu House is a collaborative initiative between the city of Amsterdam, NGOs, and grassroots organizations, with the Red Cross in a coordinating role.
Undocumented Amsterdammers can come to the Hushu House with questions about medical care, residence permits, pregnancy, or employment rights, among other things. They can also do their laundry, shower, or take a course for free.
The Hushu House is currently open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We’d like to expand our services for Amsterdam residents without residency permits and turn the Hushu house into a vibrant community. Because several partner organizations in Amsterdam-Zuidoost also organize activities in the evenings and weekends, we’re extending our opening hours. We need your help!
What will you do?
• At the start of your shift, you’ll open the building and welcome the partner organizing the activity.
• Together, you’ll discuss the plans for the evening and help prepare the activity. For example, by helping to set up tables and chairs.
• During your shift, you’ll be the host/hostess and ensure that coffee and tea are available.
• The partner organization organizing the activity is responsible for ensuring the smooth and safe running of the activity.
• Hushu House is closed for walk-ins during evenings and weekends. Any walk-ins will be referred to the following business day.
• At the end of your shift, you’ll report any details via email or WhatsApp to the Hushu House daily coordinators. In case of emergencies or urgent questions, the Red Cross is on call. In collaboration with the partner, you’ll ensure that everything is back in place and close the meeting together.
What do you bring to the table?
• You enjoy working with people from different cultures and are culturally sensitive.
• With your hospitable and service-oriented attitude, you can handle unexpected situations quickly and calmly, while remaining confident.
• You are comfortable working independently and are proactive.
• You hold a valid First Aid and Emergency Response certificate or are willing to obtain one.
• You have a good written and spoken English. Speaking another language, such as Arabic, Farsi, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Twi, or Tigrinya, is helpful.
• You live in Amsterdam; the Zuidoost district is a plus.
You are available for at least 4 hours every other week, in the evenings and/or on weekends. Initially, we will start with Wednesday evenings and Saturdays. Over time, shifts and times may vary depending on the activities. The location’s occupancy is usually announced well in advance and will, of course, be discussed with you. To ensure flexibility, you will be part of a team of caretakers. Experience as a host/hostess is not required, as long as you are willing to learn and embrace the role.
All our volunteers must be able to provide a certificate of good conduct. The costs are covered by the Red Cross.
What do we offer you?
As a volunteer, you contribute to the work of the Red Cross. You make a difference for people in vulnerable situations. That’s a great feeling! We’ll train you, and you’ll have the opportunity to develop your talents, as the Red Cross provides courses and/or training for the role. The Red Cross will reimburse your travel and expenses and ensure you are insured while performing your duties. The costs of the Certificate of Good Conduct application are also covered by the Red Cross. At the Red Cross, we operate according to our core principles and code of conduct.
Interested?
Apply via the application button or send your CV and cover letter to tvm.noordwest@rodekruis.nl. For more information about this vacancy, please contact Soraya Sikken at ssikken@redcross.nl.
More information can be found on our website. Visit www.rodekruis.nl.