Amsterdam - A former businesswoman of the year who later functioned as alderwoman of the city of Rotterdam has been found homeless, Dutch daily newspaper Metro reported on Thursday.

Rabella de Faria's homelessness was discovered after she checked herself in at a local night shelter.

She has lived on the streets most of this year but was now staying with friends, Rotterdam city councillor Driesch Mosch told Metro.

De Faria, 48, was the city of Rotterdam's alderwoman for security and public health on behalf of the Leefbaar Rotterdam party between 2002 and 2004.

Her political career followed a highly successful business career. In 2001, the former director of the airline Faravia received the Black Businesswoman of the Year Award.

After her resignation as alderwoman in 2004, de Faria could not find a new job.

She was not entitled to receive welfare because she owned a home.

Her debt to the national tax authorities resulted in her personal financial bankruptcy. She lost her home after her husband divorced her. (dpa)