Amsterdam city the ‘Homeless shelters’ and ‘Omzien naar elkaar’

You may know, Amsterdammers can be experts in looking after themselves first. But do you also know these hidden gems, where Amsterdammers truly look after the other first?

The First Supper invites you to an evening of inspiration, connection and opening our hearts to learn first hand what it means to truly look after the other, in Dutch: “Omzien naar elkaar”.

The event will take place at a shelter for homeless, in the heart of historic Amsterdam. This shelter is part of THDV, a support and relief organization founded in Jordaan in 1855. The hidden gem:  A community of over 120 volunteers, that listen and serve the immediate needs of homeless on a daily basis, without any self-interest.

The homeless world and -shelter provide a perfect setting for our own inner discovery. During this unique experience you will:

• Open your eyes to the world of the estimated 15.000 homeless in greater Amsterdam. Some impactful personal stories will further open our eyes to the unseen life of the homeless.
• Guided walk and exploration of an unseen part of the city: The support and relief side in historic Amsterdam. We will walk for about an hour in conversation to deepen our understanding
• Enjoy a seasoned supper in a homeless shelter, cooked and prepared by volunteers, nourishing both stomachs and hearts. We will enjoy the same meal that is served on a daily basis.
• Make new friends. Connect more deeply through a plenary conversation about “echt zien”  and open our hearts and see what “echt zien” may awaken in our own walk of life
• Icing on the cake: A vulnerable personal story that will fuel our conversation about seeing and being seen by a former homeless and shelter volunteer.

The First Supper will host your event together with THDV. You will be hosted by Robert, founder of The First Supper, as well as other co-hosts from THDV. For over 150 years, THDV, an Amsterdam based Christian organization founded by dominee Jan de Liefde, has provided support and relief to those in need.

The supper will be served in WAL-125, one of the THDV homeless shelters, located across from de Oude Kerk in de Wallen area. It will be cooked and served in the same space where during day time the homeless are served. It is a place with a big heart, a place to disconnect and reconnect, in the heart of the bustling old center.

This supper will be your opportunity to meet up with locals and visitors from all backgrounds and nations. At First Supper we tend to skip the superficial stuff so here you can connect, share stories, have a deeper, meaningful conversation and listen to what calls us today in contemporary Amsterdam. Please be welcome at our table!

Ready for an evening to discover Amsterdam “mensen echt zien” and ready to uncover what “echt zien” means for you?