Geldrop-Mierlo opts for structural reception of refugees
COA (Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers) has been struggling with huge shortages of reception places for ages. All municipalities must do their part to accommodate refugees. Although the government intends to repeal the Spread Act, it is assumed that in the coming years the need to accommodate refugees in municipalities will remain. This is reason for the municipality of Geldrop-Mierlo to organize the reception in a more structural way. After discussing the contours for the reception of refugees with the city council and the subsequent participation process among residents, entrepreneurs and cooperation partners, the final framework for refugee reception has now been established. With this, suitable locations are now being sought for this task. Before an intended reception location is designated, the surrounding area is consulted. Also during the realization of a location, the environment will be given an advisory role regarding organization and management.
Refugee reception frameworks
The city council chooses to organize appropriate reception for refugees in Geldrop-Mierlo. For the location(s) the best possible place will be sought. Both several small-scale and a larger reception location are possible if they fit within the framework refugee reception. In addition, the municipality finds it important that the reception takes place in a humane manner and that reception is organized in a socially responsible manner for the environment.
In principle, a reception location is set up for the benefit of one target group so that it can be tailored to the specific characteristics of and regulations for that target group. Customization is also chosen when allocating places to stay in order to prioritize families, vulnerable people and those with medical needs. The hotel and accommodation scheme will not be used for any of the target groups.
Active engagement
For the creation of this framework, residents, business owners and cooperation partners were asked to contribute their thoughts on the policy choices to be made. 683 residents completed the questionnaire. The results of the survey are representative of all inhabitants of Geldrop-Mierlo.
The surrounding area will also be consulted, both physically and digitally, in the continuation of this process of designating suitable locations. Once a location has been designated as a reception location, the surrounding area will be given the opportunity to advise on solving bottlenecks, suggesting ideas and developing plans. This contributes to increasing public support for the task of refugees, experience with other reception locations in Geldrop-Mierlo has shown.