Neighborhood House Houtwijk
- April 8, 2026
- 5 min read
BuurThuis Houtwijk, a place in Loosduinen where people find each other again
In the Loosduinen district, BuurThuis Houtwijk has grown into a regular meeting place in the neighborhood. Every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, local residents gather at the SV Houtwijk clubhouse for a cup of coffee or tea, a game, music, or simply a good conversation. What started as a small initiative has now become a valuable place for meeting and connecting, especially for older residents in the neighborhood.
BuurThuis Houtwijk is an initiative that is fully supported by the neighborhood itself. For Femke Beeloo-Planken That is exactly why this initiative fits within Nieuw70. She sees how participants and volunteers have built something together that is of great significance to the neighborhood.
Proud of BuurThuis Houtwijk
From small beginnings to established value
For initiators Toos and Gidia Schuurman It started with a simple idea. As retirees, they wanted to make a difference for people in their community. 'We started very cautiously, once every two weeks. With seven people.' That first step quickly grew into a success. By now, BuurThuis Houtwijk is a fixture in the neighborhood, supported by a dedicated team of volunteers.
A place that makes a difference
The impact on the visitors is significant. For many people, it is a moment to look forward to. 'There are even people who say: my life has more meaning.' BuurThuis Houtwijk offers not only companionship but also support. People who have lost a partner, for example, find a place here where they feel welcome. Taking the first step can be daunting, but thanks to the warm welcome, many visitors keep coming back.
Building the neighborhood together
What makes BuurThuis Houtwijk special is that visitors actively contribute themselves. They are people who are in the prime of their lives and work together on initiatives in the neighborhood. 'They really do it together and have something to strive for again.' An example of this is the joint effort for a pétanque court.
On the radio
On Tuesday, April 14, Toos and Gidia were guests on DenHaagFM. In Jessica Mendels' radio program Haags Bakkie, they talked about their wonderful initiative BuurThuis. The recording can be listened to via this link: Listen to The Hague FM (from 40:36 to 49:24).
Proud of what is created together
BuurThuis Houtwijk shows what can be created when people work together for their neighborhood. With a team of volunteers and committed residents, it has grown into a place where people meet, support, and empower each other.
The initiative proves that a small idea can grow into something that makes a real difference in people's daily lives. Within Nieuw70, it is an example of how connection in the neighborhood contributes to a city where people look out for one another.