In the early 19th century, a reform housing colony for the poor and homeless was established in Veenhuizen by the Society of Benevolence. In the late 19th century, the complex was turned into a penal colony.
In the early 19th century, a charitable settlement for destitute individuals was founded in Veenhuizen by the Society of Benevolence. Later, in the late 19th century, the complex was repurposed as a correctional facility.