Frequently Asked Questions Emergency Shelter the Weijer

Why are we catching these people?

There is a crisis in the reception of refugees. The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) currently does not have enough places available to give all asylum seekers "bed, bath and bread" and is working to create new reception centers (AZC), but this takes time.

The State Secretary has therefore instructed all 25 security regions in the Netherlands to arrange emergency crisis shelter. Because we find the situation in Ter Apel distressing, we as a municipality would like to do our part, in the form of temporary shelter.

Why in sports hall the Weijer?

Geldrop-Mierlo has no vacant properties that can be made suitable for this purpose. Therefore, in principle, only the sports halls are left for the emergency reception of refugees. Because only the Weijer, in addition to a large hall for overnight accommodation, also has sufficient spaces to stay, eat and accommodate other facilities and because it is now, in October, too cold to accommodate these things in a tent, the Safety Region has indicated that this is the only location suitable for this purpose.

How long will the refugees stay in Mierlo?

It was agreed that the refugees would be housed in Mierlo from Oct. 5 to Oct. 26. 

Can't we use the gymnasium for the entire month of October?

Because of the need to build up prior to the reception and to take down all facilities afterwards, the sports hall will be occupied from October 3 to October 28. We will make arrangements with the users.

Where are these refugees coming from today?

These refugees are people who may have the prospect of a residency status in our country. The procedure for this has started. It is a mixed group, in terms of composition and age structure.

Where did they live before this?

As of July, these refugees were already living in our region. They were already moving regularly to other temporary emergency locations.

Who will soon be responsible for the emergency shelter location?

The Safety Region provides site management. They provide 24-hour supervision/security. This supervision is provided by a security company that has experience in this field. This is because we think it is important that the reception for both local residents and the refugees is as good and safe as possible.

Who pays all the costs for this?

The cost of shelter is borne by The State.

Do these people stay in the shelter or can they move freely?

These people are allowed to move freely. So you can just run into them in the village.

Why weren't local residents involved in this earlier?

There is a crisis situation. So it is crisis emergency shelter. This means that action had to be taken quickly. When it was clear that Sporthal de Weijer was a viable option, the city council, local residents and users of the Sporthal were informed immediately. Letters were distributed in the vicinity of Sporthal de Weijer and the associations and schools that use the sports hall were also informed. With all these groups we will soon enter into discussions to see if there are questions or concerns and see where alternatives are possible.

What was the process leading up to this decision?

COA and the State Secretary have asked the security regions to cooperate on an emergency solution, because application center Ter Apel is overcrowded and conditions are dire. In our region, several municipalities are already receiving people. Therefore, the municipality of Geldrop-Mierlo is also taking part in the solution. The city council was approached in mid-September to help think about locations for crisis emergency shelter. After consultation with the Safety Region Brabant Zuidoost, Sporthal de Weijer appeared to be the most suitable location because of the amount of additional spaces in the building. Immediately after the decision, residents were informed and local residents and users of the sports hall received a letter.

Can I object to this?

No, you cannot object because this is crisis emergency shelter.

How can I reach the site manager?

There is a mobile number to reach the Weijer site manager directly. That number is in the letter sent to those living in the immediate vicinity. The phone number can be obtained from the municipality.

Are all refugees present on site daily?

No, some can get other accommodation (temporarily) with friends or family. They then stay there for a short period of time.