Situation in Ukraine
The war in Ukraine is on all of our minds. More than four million people have now fled Ukraine. Ukrainians are also coming to Voorschoten to ask for help. You can find more information on this page.
Refugee Reception in Voorschoten
The municipality of Voorschoten is setting up emergency housing for 50 refugees in a section of the town hall. Preparatory work for the renovation is currently underway. The refugees will be able to move into the town hall starting in early May, for a period of at least 6 months.
Ukrainians who are already in Voorschoten and are wondering where they can go should contact the municipality.
Register with the municipality
Ukrainians who are already staying in Voorschoten—for example, with family or friends—must register with the municipality. You can register using your temporary address. After registering, refugees will receive a citizen service number (BSN). This is required to apply for benefits. Therefore, please register as soon as possible. Make an appointment via“Make and Schedule an Appointment | Voorschoten.”
How can you help?
Would you like to help? The municipality of Voorschoten would like to connect with residents of Ukrainian descent, those with in-depth knowledge of Ukrainian culture, and/or those who speak the language, who would be willing to serve as buddies for Ukrainian refugees in Voorschoten in the near future. Please sign up at oekraine@voorschoten.nl.
We’ve noticed that initiatives are springing up in many places to provide aid to Ukrainians affected by the crisis. This is heartwarming. The municipality asks all residents and organizations in Voorschoten who would like to organize their own efforts to contact “Aid Initiatives for Ukraine – Vrijwilligvoorschoten” at , organized by “Voorschoten for Each Other.”
VluchtelingenWerk Nederland is also actively seeking volunteers. You can sign up here: .
Take in Ukrainians yourself?
It’s good to know that Ukrainians in the Netherlands are free to stay with friends, family, or acquaintances. Taking in refugees involves a lot of work, and it’s important for host families to realize what they’re getting into. For example, we don’t know how long the war will last or how long people will need shelter. The organization Takecarebnb has extensive experience in placing refugees with host families.
For more information and to register as a host, see:Takecarebnb orSupport Ukrainian Refugees (vluchtelingenwerk.nl). These refugees are notbeing referred to the municipality’s emergency shelter. Residents therefore remain responsible if they take someone into their own home.
Red Cross Helpline
The Red Cross has launched a helpline for people who have fled Ukraine. Questions can be submitted via WhatsApp in Ukrainian and English. Volunteers answer these questions in the language in which they are received. In cases where the Red Cross itself cannot help, people are referred to specialized agencies.
The helpline can be reached at 06-48158053.
People who want to ask for or offer help in Dutch can contact the Dutch-language “Ukraine Information Line.” For example, they can reach out with questions about how to provide temporary housing. The Ukraine Information Line is available on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 070-4455888.
Other Informative Links
- Central Government:Assistance for Refugees from Ukraine | Rijksoverheid.nl
- Dutch Council for Refugees:Support Ukrainian Refugees
- Red Cross:What Are We Doing in Ukraine, and How Can You Help?
More information
Below is an overview of general information about the situation in Ukraine.