Kerkrade crisis emergency shelter closed Oct. 1

Since July 4, the municipality hosted people in need at Rolduc sports hall. Until August 31, we were able to provide temporary shelter to about 600 Ukrainian refugees at the Rolduc sports hall flow-through location. After that, the Rolduc sports hall was used as a crisis emergency shelter location for 80 asylum seekers from the application center in Ter Apel. As agreed, the emergency shelter location was closed as of October 1 to make room again for sports clubs and education. The location is expected to be fully available again in the third week of October.

The stay of the refugees from Ukraine and asylum seekers from Ter Apel went well. Many activities were undertaken with both groups, such as visits to attractions and sights in the area. The refugees from Ukraine stayed only a few days each in the emergency shelter and were successfully guided to temporary housing in the region. The asylum seekers stayed at the site for the entire month of September. They passed the time well using a daily program that included language lessons, work in public spaces, sports activities and visits to attractions.

Alderman John Roland: "People calmed down and felt safe and welcome in our emergency shelter. It put a lot of pressure on our organization, but it was a valuable task to perform. We are extremely grateful to all the staff involved for their efforts during this period."