Millions of Ukrainians have fled their country. All these people need a shelter. In our safety region Haaglanden, the nine municipalities aim to receive 2,000 people. This is also the case in Zoetermeer.
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It is not yet clear how many refugee Ukrainians will come to Zoetermeer. The municipality is extremely busy mapping everything out and considering which shelters are eligible. “Think of hotels, for example,” says Mayor Bezuijen. “We want to offer people a place to stay as soon as possible.”
Still a lot unsure
There is a lot of uncertainty not only among the refugee Ukrainians, but also among our municipality. Alderman ter Laak: “People have no idea where they will end up and for how long shelter is needed. It may take a few weeks, a year, or perhaps three years. As a municipality, we do not have an answer to this either. Nor how many people come to Zoetermeer.”
In addition to a roof over your head, other things are also important. Think of education and care. “As soon as the people are there, we know what needs to be arranged and what is needed,” explains Alderman Ter Laak. Stichting Leergeld has already offered to provide aids to children. “We also map out what kind of stuff people might need. Many Zoetermeerders have indicated via Zoetermeer for each other that they want to help.”
Private initiatives count separately
A reception center for asylum seekers has recently been opened in the old prison. 500 people now live in the former penitentiary. “The organization here is in the hands of COA,” explains the mayor. “The reception of Ukrainians is in our hands. Ukrainians do not apply for asylum, they need a temporary place to live. Together with eight other municipalities in our region, we provide shelter for 2,000 people. The Hague has already received a number of people.” This number is independent of private initiatives. Zoetermeer residents who take in refugees on their own initiative are not covered by this.
Do you have questions about the reception of refugees, do you want to take someone in or do you want to register as a volunteer? On the website sweetermeer.nl/ukraine you can find all the information. The website is regularly updated by the municipality as more is known.