THE HAGUE – Caribbean Dutch communities in the Netherlands are among the key groups benefiting from a nationwide volunteer-based debt assistance alliance, according to a new impact evaluation report released in February 2026.
The report examines the work of the Alliantie Vrijwillige Schuldhulp (AVS), a partnership of seven organizations working to combat financial distress across the Netherlands. One of those partners is Organisatie Caribische Nederlanders (Ocan), which focuses specifically on supporting people of Caribbean descent.
According to the evaluation, volunteers play a critical role in reaching communities where financial stress often remains hidden due to stigma, distrust of institutions, or lack of familiarity with the Dutch social system. Caribbean Dutch residents, including people from Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire, St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius, are among those who benefit from culturally sensitive support.
In 2024 alone, AVS partners collectively assisted approximately 56,000 unique individuals, supported by around 20,000 volunteers nationwide. The alliance operates in 94 percent of Dutch municipalities.
The report highlights that volunteer-based assistance not only stabilizes finances but also restores confidence in institutions, reduces stress, and improves mental well-being.