WILLEMSTAD – A collaboration between two local care foundations is providing temporary housing for elderly residents after significant maintenance issues forced closures at some of their long-term care facilities.
Stichting Johannes Bosco and Stichting Birgen di Rosario have partnered to offer interim accommodation on the Brakkeput Ariba site, where the former children’s home used to operate. Birgen di Rosario, the largest eldercare organisation on Curaçao, manages several locations for the care and shelter of older adults. However, two of its facilities are currently grappling with extensive repair needs, making it necessary to move residents for their safety and comfort.
In total, 52 senior residents have been temporarily placed in the pavilion buildings at the Johannes Bosco complex while renovation plans are underway. A lease agreement has been signed between the two foundations to formalise the arrangement.
On Friday, a special event took place in the multifunctional space of the temporary housing site. The so-called “Jump In” gathering, themed Blue Wave, brought together approximately 150 elderly residents, including participants from other Birgen di Rosario locations, for cultural activities and social interaction.
During the event, the partnership was officially announced. Johannes Bosco director Marcel Dennert symbolically handed over the keys of the facility to Birgen di Rosario director Indra Rossen-Lucasius, with Stichting Johannes Bosco’s Tanja Cicila also in attendance.
The interim housing solution highlights ongoing challenges in eldercare infrastructure and provides a temporary but meaningful respite for residents affected by deferred maintenance. Birgen di Rosario, with its long history of supporting seniors, continues its mission while working toward long-term facility improvements.
Community members and families have welcomed the cooperative effort, which strives to balance safety, care and quality of life for vulnerable elderly residents during a period of transition.