Andries – Zwolle

Andries (3rd on the left) grew up at the Hanerick in Zwolle. Heaven on earth in Andries’ memory. More than 200 families in mobile homes and a field for travelers in transit. There was a snack bar, a school and the youth could play to their hearts content. Everyone knew each other, it was one big family. As in many travelers camps, there was also a junkyard on the Hanerick. There the young travelers learned the trade from the older ones and they learned how to take care of themselves. If someone was in trouble, everybody helped. The mobile homes did’nt have a doorbell. If the door is open, you are welcome – as long as you take off your shoes.

House of stone

In the early 80’s, the camp was closed and the residents were forcibly relocated to smaller camps, usually of 8 to 10 pitches. Also Andries and his family moved to a smaller camp. But nog for long. Tragedy hit the family. Their mobile home was destroyed in a fire, which also killed his little brother. Having nothing left, his parents moved into a house of stone- and gave up their right to ever live in a camp again. Andries got married and ended up in a house of stone himself. And became deeply unhappy there. His marriage ended, he moved in a caravan on a regular camping site and got into debt and alcohol. At this time, things are going much better with Andries. He is slowly getting his life back in order. But he never, ever, wants to live in a house again.

Hope

When the travelers’ culture was added to the Cultural Heritage list in 2014 and in 2018 Minister Kajsa Ollongren (Home Affairs, D66) called on municipalities to stop the extinction policy, hope arose again for Andries. Finally, he could fulfill his long-cherished wish to live legally in a mobile home. But the waiting list in Zwolle, where there are only 160 legal pitches, was enormous. In addition, Andries lost his right to a stand when his parents accepted a house after a fire in their mobile home, that killed Andries’ brother. In October 2018, when Andries realized that his chances were practically nil, he set up his tent at the parking lot at the Urkerweg in Zwolle, just around the corner of the camp on the Belliniweg, where part of his family lives. Soon, a number of his cousins who were in the same position, ​​joined him and the protest camp in Zwolle was formed. The municipality tolerated the camp for a long time. They created water points and set dixies for Andries and his family.

Never give up

At the time, Andries turned out to be an activist who not only stood up for himself, but for all travelers in Zwolle who are looking for a place to live. He founded the Zwolle residents’ committee and contacted the media and the municipality to advocate for extra sites for travelers. Unfortunately, it was all to no avail. After losing several court cases, the camp was cleared on February 10, 2020. Andries has since been homeless and lives again in a caravan on a regular camping or with friends. He does’t know how to proceed. But he continues to campaign for himself and for all travelers in Zwolle who are still waiting for a miracle. Giving up is not an option for Andries.

Camp Zwolle – Urkerweg