The first Ukrainian refugees have also arrived in Sittard-Geleen. Most of them were forwarded from the MECC in Maastricht to hotels that offered rooms freely accessible.
“In total there are 44 placements spread over three hotels in Sittard-Geleen,” says a municipal spokeswoman.
Forty refugees
A Ukrainian family has now also moved into one of the apartments in Geleen-South made available by ZoWonen. This concerns apartment blocks of, among others, the Wagenaar and Pijperflats. Because the flats are on the list to be demolished, the apartments are not in perfect condition. That is why the Ukrainian family itself helps to make the house their own as quickly as possible. “They are not the best apartments we have, but the homes are certainly suitable for a long-term stay,” says director Janine Godderij of the housing association. “The aim is to have eight apartments ready this weekend, so that about forty refugees can be received on Monday.”
Heart warming
Since the housing association wants to make 36 apartments available, there is still a lot of work to be done. Volunteers and employees of the housing corporation roll up their sleeves. “We are busy with DIY work such as wallpapering, painting, connecting sockets and laying floors,” says neighborhood builder Robin Meij. “The support from outside is enormous. That gives a lot of positive energy to ensure that the apartments are ready quickly. In addition, all odd jobs and furniture have been donated. Heartwarming.”
The Ukrainian refugees can count on a long stay in the Geleen flats. The apartment buildings will not be demolished until 2027.