SchuldHulpMaatje Ridderkerk

Founded in 2012, SchuldHulpMaatje Ridderkerk is a charity based in Ridderkerk, Netherlands working on poverty & hunger, community development.

SchuldHulpMaatje Ridderkerk is a volunteer-run organisation in Ridderkerk, the Netherlands, that offers free, non-judgemental help to residents facing debt and money problems. Volunteers called Maatjes, supported by coordinators who carry out intakes and matching, help people regain an overview of their finances and cope with the stress that debt can cause. The work includes practical financial support, coaching and referral. The organisation began in 2012 as a private initiative, was placed under Gilde Ridderkerk in 2013, and became a full member of the national SchuldHulpMaatje association on 1 January 2018. It operates under the Stichting Samenredzaamheid bij Schulden, whose board of five is drawn from members of 13 local churches and serves in a personal capacity. The foundation is funded by a municipal subsidy from Gemeente Ridderkerk, donations from churches and individuals, and fundraising. Its ANBI status took effect on 6 December 2017. The organisation works closely with local churches, the municipality, neighbourhood teams and other local bodies such as the food bank. Board members and volunteers receive no remuneration, though expenses are reimbursed. Donors receive a written receipt from the treasurer.