According to Mayor Elly Blanksma of Helmond, three Ukrainian families had to move quickly because tensions in the shelter increased to such an extent that the quality of life of the residents was threatened. She said this on Wednesday evening during an emergency debate on the eviction of the families. According to Blanksma, the State Secretary wants to actively intervene in the search for shelter for the families. “I had quite a tough conversation with the State Secretary. He is watching this evening.”
The emergency debate was requested by the VVD, Helder Helmond and the CDA. They were concerned about the sudden eviction of three Ukrainian families from the shelter on Nachtegaallaan. This mainly concerns single mothers with children. According to the VVD, the families were whistleblowers who were ‘unceremoniously’ dismissed after complaints about the rules in the shelter.
“I have a 12-page factual account of everything that went wrong.”
According to the mayor, the speed was necessary because tensions within the shelter quickly increased. “I have a 12-page factual account of everything that went wrong,” she said during the debate. “For privacy reasons, I cannot discuss it further. But I have done everything I can to ensure this runs smoothly. We came to a point where living together was no longer possible.”
Refugee Council prepared a report in which it was recommended to remove the three families from the shelter. But she now admits that she ‘went wrong’ with the report. Refugee work did not speak one-on-one with these families and finds this unacceptable. She has apologized and started her own investigation. The families have also gone to the National Ombudsman who is looking into the matter.
“With all my heart I wish these people a new place without stress.”
Blanksma was accused of having only acted on the basis of the incorrect report from Vluchtelingenwerk. She disputes that. “The report is not the only thing I brought with me. I talked to everyone, including the families involved.” According to the mayor, she made the decision to move the families herself. “I wish these people with all my heart that they get a new place without stress.”
The mayor was also under fire because the move happened so quickly. The families were told a day and a half in advance that they had to move. According to Blanksma, urgency was required. “Two days before the move, the tension had risen so high that I thought it would be irresponsible to let this go on any longer.” The shelter in Helmond has almost 300 residents, including almost 120 children. “My actions were aimed at the quality of life for everyone. And I made the assessment myself,” said the mayor.
“The State Secretary takes this situation seriously.”
The families have now been given a place in hotels for the time being. According to Blanksma, everything is being done to guide them, including in the areas of education and work. The children go to school and the mothers all work. “The State Secretary wants to make every effort to arrange shelter in the region. I also called the mayor of Eindhoven to see if we can help each other.”
Despite criticism from opposition parties CDA, VVD and Helder Helmond, the mayor suffered no further injuries. She announced a satisfaction survey among shelter residents.
READ ALSO:
Ukrainian families suddenly have to leave the shelter: ‘This is inhumane’