Voorschoten Makes Town Hall Available to Refugees

The municipality of Voorschoten will provide shelter for more than 60 refugees from Ukraine. The town hall is being partially cleared out and renovated to serve as a safe haven for 50 refugees. Living rooms and bedrooms are being created, and, of course, the necessary amenities are being provided. This renovation will take place in the coming weeks. The shelter will be temporary, for a period of 6 months. In addition, 24 refugees are currently being hosted by private individuals, and 7 refugees have been able to secure a comfortable room at Huize Bijdorp.

Mayor Nadine Stemerdink:“It’s incredibly heartwarming to see how much the community in Voorschoten is doing to help the refugees from Ukraine. Organizations, associations, church councils, schools, and business owners—everyone is stepping up. The municipal administration is also tackling this crisis with full commitment. A team has been working hard for several weeks to arrange shelter, ensure that the refugees receive living expenses, and register them officially with the municipality.”

Due to the war, more and more Ukrainians are fleeing their homeland. In Voorschoten, too, Ukrainians are asking for help and shelter. Since last week, Ukrainian refugees have been staying at Huize Bijdorp and with private residents. Mayor Stemerdink:“It’s wonderful of the sisters to openHuize Bijdorp to accommodate refugees, just like all those residents who are offering refugees a place in their own homes.” 

Voorschoten is involved 

For the initial reception of refugees, the municipality is working closely with the Dutch Council for Refugees (VluchtelingenWerk Nederland) and Voorschoten voor Elkaar. Medical and mental health care is being provided thanks to local family doctors and dentists. In collaboration with schools, significant efforts are being made to provide education for the children.
“I’ve noticed that the entire town of Voorschoten is concerned about the situation in Ukraine and is pitching in with all kinds of initiatives,” says Mayor Stemerdink.“This is heartwarming! Local business owners are donating products for free. Several interpreters have already signed up, and initiatives for fundraising drives and volunteer opportunities are pouring in. In addition, the refugees are receiving help in finding daytime activities and/or work. I sincerely hope that, despite the difficult and uncertain times they are facing, we can offer the refugees from Ukraine a warm home for now.” 

City Hall is open

The municipality has made part of City Hall available. City Hall will otherwise remain open as usual. Residents can still visit the Customer Contact Center or the Civil Affairs Department. 

Help 

The municipality is receiving many messages from residents who want to help as volunteers or donate supplies. “Voorschoten voor Elkaar” has set up a platform for this purpose. Those interested can call 071-561 9001 or register via the website forUkraine refugee aid—Vrijwilligvoorschoten. 
For general information about the situation in Ukraine, please visit the municipal websiteSituation in Ukraine | Voorschoten, or email oekraine@voorschoten.nl.  
Residents who wish to open their homes to refugees can register on theTakecarebnb website, the national organization for private accommodation.