Refugees from Ukraine may sleep under the Asser system ceiling before June. Univé is setting up 140 sleeping places, without earning a penny from it. Mayor Marco Out is happy with the insurer’s gesture.
The collaboration between Univé and the municipality came about spontaneously, says Ron Bavelaar. The chairman of Univé’s board of directors says that the municipality has been contacted directly to indicate that space is available. “Fortunately, there is a lot of support for this among the staff. Nice to see.”
The reception of refugees in the Univé building takes work off the hands of the municipality of Assen. “Housing is the biggest challenge,” says Out. “When all locations are ready, we will receive 650 refugees in Assen. That is why we are so happy with Univé. Finding places remains a priority.”
The cooperative may have the space, but the necessary adjustments still have to be made in the building. The contours of the rooms are already ready, but we are still waiting for the material. “We are now coordinating the renovation with the municipality of Assen,” says Bavelaar. “We immediately said that we will just arrange it.”
In addition, Univé already had some space left. “In addition, we have cleared three more floors. That means that we will be a bit tighter, but that is doable.”
The future residents will have their own entrance. Outside there will be units with kitchens, as well as a unit with a launderette and one with showers. Inside there is room for care and support. In addition, there will be a shared living room, a room for youth and an internet cafe.
“Univé is certainly ready,” says Bavelaar. “We have the space and the resources.” There is good hope that the first refugees will move into the building on Jan Bommerstraat in Assen at the end of May.
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