Questions and answers on emergency shelter Waleweingaarde
Why hasn’t the emergency care service been resumed?
During work carried out on the premises, materials containing asbestos were discovered. As a precaution, the residents were temporarily relocated to another accommodation facility. The COA subsequently carried out the necessary work to decontaminate and repair the living areas.
However, it appears that it will not be feasible to reopen the site in the short term. The emergency accommodation could then only be used for a few more months, until 31 May 2027 at the latest, and for a limited number of people. After that, the residents would have to move again. The local authority and the COA therefore consider it disproportionate to incur the necessary costs and make the required efforts to resume operations at the centre.
The Waleweingaarde does, however, remain under consideration as a potential site for permanent accommodation.
Is it true that asbestos has been found in the building?
Yes, that’s right. During the refurbishment of the emergency shelter, asbestos was released. Once this was discovered, the COA closed the emergency shelter as a precaution.
Will there be a permanent childcare facility at this location?
That is not yet known. The COA will, however, investigate whether this location could be suitable as a long-term accommodation facility once the emergency shelter period has ended. If the answer to that is ‘yes’, the local council will have to decide on the matter. The council will involve the residents of Apeldoorn in this process. A licence will also be required. It will be possible to lodge an objection in this regard.
What is the difference between an emergency shelter and an asylum seekers’ centre?
Emergency accommodation is basic, temporary accommodation without facilities such as a private bedroom. Refugees sleep here in dormitories with several other people.
They live in an asylum seekers’ centre and lead a more independent life. They take care of their household, take the children to school and prepare for their future through programmes or voluntary work.
Why isn’t the emergency shelter in a hotel?
We want hotels to remain available for tourism. That is why no additional hotels within our municipality are being used to provide accommodation.
Why was this location chosen?
This building is partially vacant and offers sufficient indoor and outdoor space for childcare facilities. The local authority owns the building.
How many refugees does Apeldoorn take in?
We are accommodating 600 people on Deventerstraat in Apeldoorn. We are accommodating a total of 281 people at two temporary sites in Beekbergen and Loenen. The COA is looking for a permanent solution to replace these two temporary sites.
How are the refugees being supported?
The COA carries this out in collaboration with partners such as Vluchtelingenwerk. All adult asylum seekers take part in an information programme covering, amongst other things, the local area, rules of conduct both inside and outside the reception centre, and social etiquette. In addition, there are clear house rules. Residents must adhere to these; the COA may take action in the event of any breaches.
Is there a focus group or a residents’ consultation group?
Yes. Every COA site holds a consultation with local stakeholders, such as local residents, shopkeepers, business owners and community organisations/associations. The COA organises this. If you would like to know more about this, please send an email to the site manager of the emergency accommodation centre. The email address is fmmzapeldoornwaleweingaarde@coa.nl.
Is there anything I can help with?
Many volunteers, whether from organisations, businesses or as individuals, are active in providing support to asylum seekers. People also regularly ask the Apeldoorn council what they can do. On the the COA’s website You can find information about this here.
What measures are in place to ensure that emergency childcare runs smoothly?
The COA is investigating whether this site could be suitable as a long-term accommodation facility following the emergency reception period. If the answer is ‘yes’, the local authority will have to decide on the matter. Until then, the local authority’s security measures around the premises will remain in place. The management plan for a safe and liveable environment around the reception centre will be adapted to the new situation.
View the management plan (PDF, 517 kB)
How does the local authority deal with demonstrations regarding emergency accommodation and public disorder?
The municipality of Apeldoorn believes it is important that everyone should be able to demonstrate peacefully and make their views heard.
At the same time, the local authority is responsible for ensuring a safe living environment and maintaining public order. That is why the situation is being carefully assessed. Action is taken against criminal offences. If necessary, measures are taken to safeguard public safety, such as an emergency order, an emergency by-law or the designation of a safety risk area.
Anyone wishing to hold a demonstration in the municipality of Apeldoorn is invited to get in touch. The municipality will then assess whether and how this can be facilitated. For contact details, please visit contact with the local council.