From 1 November to mid-February, Boxtel receives a large group of refugees from Ter Apel in 99 residential units at Landgoed Velder. The Estate is equipped for the arrival of a maximum of 450 asylum seekers. “We mainly focus on families, because we can offer them the most. They get what they need, but it’s not really luxurious here,” says project leader Inez van Gils as she walks across the huge site.
Volunteers are busy lugging furniture and accessories into the housing units. This completes the first half of the shelter. It has to be, because the first refugees from Ter Apel are on the doorstep a day later, Tuesday 1 November. “Since I retired at the beginning of this year, I wanted to help people. I’ve always been a doctor, so that’s in me. My help is very much needed in this place,” says volunteer Erich Ticheler (64) from Boxtel.
He helped, among other things, with putting together the beds, making them and furnishing the living unit with a locker, table and chairs. It is a matter of time, because within two weeks Velder had to be converted into a reception location.
“The site is usually used for festivals or events. We were only able to start construction in mid-October after the last Elektrum festival,” says project leader Inez van Gils. Already 45 residential units are ready for the first 150 refugees to arrive on Tuesday. The other half should be ready before the end of the week.
“The crisis shelter is not a luxury place.”
The idea to receive the refugees in separate housing units did not come from Boxtel itself. The municipality was inspired by the municipality of Maashorst. “We have looked there and have largely adopted their approach and adapted it where necessary. The asylum seekers are in a crisis reception center until they hear whether they can stay in the Netherlands. In the meantime, we want to offer them a nice place and privacy,” says Van Gils.
Having your own living unit instead of a large tent is nice, but certainly not a luxury. The refugees also do not notice that they are going to live on a Estate temporarily. “It should be pleasant, but otherwise we have furnished it very soberly and practically”, explains van Gils. “They only live here temporarily and the crisis shelter is not a luxury place.”
“The fact that every family has its own place is also nice for the neighborhood.”
One family can live with five people per residential unit. There are two bunk beds and one single bed, an iron locker and a table with plastic chairs. They have their own place to sleep and stay during the day.
“The fact that every family has its own place is not only nice for them, but also for the neighborhood,” says volunteer Eric who lives in Boxtel himself. Many local residents were initially not happy with the arrival of the asylum seekers. Many were reassured when they heard about the design of residential units. “We talked a lot with local residents about their concerns. Local residents who were concerned at first have now even become volunteers,” says Van Gils.
The residents receive what they need such as shelter and sanitary facilities. There are also day programs with activities. They can learn the language, play sports and go out into nature to plant trees, for example. While Eric is making the last beds, he says: “In addition to furnishing this place, I want to help the asylum seekers in a different way. I think it would be nice to teach them how to cook here, for example. This way we literally get a look into each other’s kitchen. ”
“At the Estate we can receive people in a humane way.”
Refugees from Ter Apel will be received throughout the province in the coming months with the aim of unburdening the Groningen application center. Compared to most municipalities, Boxtel accommodates a very large group of refugees. “Many municipalities have been commissioned by the government. At this Estate we have the space to receive many people in a humane way. So we will do that”, says the project leader.
