New Roots: Building a Stronger Community in Haasje Over and the Trudo Tower

Whether it’s a neighborhood get-together, a community clean-up, or cheering on the national team during the Euros — shared moments like these are becoming more common in Haasje Over and the Trudo Tower. That’s thanks in large part to New Roots, a new foundation created by and for residents. Born from the buildings’ former tenant committees, New Roots is all about bringing neighbors closer together and turning ideas into action.

From tenant committee to foundation
About a year ago, the resident groups of Haasje Over and the Trudo Tower decided to formalize their efforts by founding a legal entity. This made it easier to manage practical matters like opening a bank account, but also gave residents a clearer voice when dealing with institutions like the municipality.

The New Roots board is made up of five local residents. Chairman Len Snelders, one of the first people to move into Haasje Over, explains: “From the start, I could feel there was something special here. People really care about the atmosphere and livability. With New Roots, we’re trying to grow and protect that spirit.”

From ideas to action
New Roots has already launched several meaningful initiatives. One standout is the “green plan,” sparked by residents who wanted to liven up shared spaces like the bridge above Area51. With support from Trudo’s Livability Fund, the foundation receives an annual budget to bring these ideas to life — from adding greenery to creating a more welcoming ambiance.

There’s also the annual spring clean-up, where residents work together to tidy up the building. Practical improvements — like adding more bins or outdoor ashtrays — are also taken care of using the fund, making a big difference in everyday comfort.

Getting more people involved
One challenge remains: encouraging broader participation. “We invite people to our meetings, we share updates via WhatsApp and Area of People, and we’re always open to new ideas,” says Len. “But getting people truly involved isn’t always easy. That’s why we keep looking for creative ways to spark interest and make it fun to join in.”

A bigger vision for Strijp-S
While New Roots currently focuses on Haasje Over and the Trudo Tower, the ambition is bigger. The foundation hopes to one day involve more residential buildings across Strijp-S. “We’ve got a passionate team, plenty of energy, and great ideas,” Len says. “It’s a journey, but we believe we can build real, connected communities — not just in our towers, but throughout Strijp-S.”