In the Netherlands, more and more parents are finding themselves without a suitable place to live after a separation — let alone a place where their children feel safe and at home.
For twenty years, Alies van Kamp — hairdresser and founder of this initiative — has witnessed this reality up close. In her salon chair, she hears the stories of parents with nowhere to go, and children who move from house to house without a space of their own.
That is why she founded Het Kleine Dorp (The Little Village): a Tiny House community where separated parents and their children can live temporarily, surrounded by peace, nature, and social support.
“Every time I heard about children sleeping in attic rooms or feeling guilty about the separation, I thought: someone needs to do something. And maybe that someone is me.” — Alies van Kamp
A restorative place in nature
The Little Village will be a temporary living community with sustainable Tiny Houses for parents and their children.
Its purpose: to offer space to breathe, recover, and regain a sense of direction.
For children, it provides a natural environment where playing and relaxing come naturally, including:
- a nature playground,
- water and mud to explore,
- places to build huts,
- and ideally even a (swimming) pond.
Children will meet peers who are going through similar experiences — a natural source of recognition and understanding.
Strong interest and widespread support
Since Alies began sharing her plan, it’s become clear how urgently this housing concept is needed. Municipalities, banks, social organisations, and funds have responded with enthusiasm. She has spoken with organisations including the Salvation Army, the Oranje Fonds, Fondsenwerving Nederland, and several youth and family service groups.
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) indicated that The Little Village may be eligible for green financing. Triodos Groen Bank also responded positively — especially because circular, ecological, and biobased construction fits perfectly with Alies’ vision.
She is also receiving support from the Ideeënmakelaar of the municipality of Lelystad and the Ondernemersklankbord, with whom she has now developed a solid business and financial plan.
“The project grows with every step. Each new conversation brings new insights and possibilities. The foundation is strong, and that gives enormous confidence.” — Alies
The next step: a place to land
Right now, The Little Village needs one essential thing: land.
A location where Tiny Houses can stand, where nature has room to flourish, and where children can play and heal safely.
Ideally, this place will be in or around Lelystad, but Alies is open to other regions — as long as peace, nature, and social added value can remain central.
TinyFindy supports her search and is pleased to share this initiative with municipalities, landowners, developers, and organisations who see opportunities to help make this project possible.
Why this project matters
The Little Village aims to be a safe haven for families in a difficult and often invisible phase of their lives.
A place where parents can breathe, where children can simply be children again, and where nature and community spirit contribute to healing.
“I’m doing this for the children who no longer feel at home anywhere. For parents who are searching for stability. If you create one place where love, peace, and nature come together, something truly special can happen.” — Alies
Alies is determined to bring her dream to life — not just for herself, but for the many families in the Netherlands who are in desperate need of such a temporary refuge.
Do you have a location or idea? TinyFindy is happy to think along
Are you looking for a meaningful social use for a piece of land?
Or do you see opportunities to help build a unique housing project that gives families space to breathe again?
Get in touch with Alies.
Together, we can help make The Little Village a reality.
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