The council has decided to temporarily shelter 32 Ukrainian refugees in the rectory of the Sint Leonarduskerk in Oosterhout. The municipality will become the owner of the church and the rectory on April 1. First, the rectory will be renovated. The shelter is expected to be ready by July 1. The rectory will remain available for refugee accommodation until at least January 1, 2027.
Request from the government and social responsibility
The national government asks the municipality of Overbetuwe to accommodate 316 Ukrainian refugees. Currently, we are sheltering 166 Ukrainian refugees. With this new shelter, the municipality will be closer to this goal.
Alderman Karel Grimm emphasizes the importance of sheltering Ukrainian refugees: “The situation in Ukraine remains dire. The war continues to have a significant impact and it is uncertain how long it will last. Apart from our mandate from the government, we find it our responsibility to provide these people with a safe place to stay.”
Heart of Oosterhout
The municipality purchased the Sint Leonarduskerk and the rectory last May. It was a desire from the community to keep both buildings together. Like the church, the rectory is currently not in use. In the future, these will be used as a Community Center. The current users of Community Center de Schakel, including after-school care (BSO), will then move here. This aligns with the development vision ‘Heart of Oosterhout’.
Renovation for shelter and future use
The rectory will be internally renovated to accommodate small families and single individuals. There will be sleeping and living spaces, bathrooms, toilets, and cooking areas. Additionally, more daylight will be provided. The residents will be able to live independently. A location manager will assist them. During the renovation, the municipality is already taking into account that the building will later be used as a community center. After the shelter, only minor adjustments will be needed.
Surroundings have been informed
The municipality has informed surrounding businesses and residents. They have been invited to a drop-in session to ask questions.