On Wednesday, October 1st, the new reception location for Ukrainian displaced persons at Marga Klompélaan 6 was officially opened. The former Poli Zuid building has been completely renovated into a modern reception facility with studios and apartments, allowing residents to have their own kitchen and sanitary facilities. This gives around 138 Ukrainian displaced persons in Arnhem the opportunity to live more independently and cook for themselves after sometimes years in shared reception locations.Councillor for Refugees, Paul Smeulders: If we genuinely want refugees to participate in our city, we must not only provide them with a roof over their heads but also a place where they can feel at home. They should be able to build something, pick up work and education, and contribute to the city and our society in their own way. This Ukraine reception for the future fits the welcoming city that Arnhem wants to be.

Collaboration with Salvation Army

The former Poli Zuid has been converted into a full-fledged reception center for Ukrainian displaced persons in less than a year. The studios and apartments all have their own facilities, so people no longer have to share with others. The Salvation Army manages the new location, just like the other Ukraine reception facilities in Arnhem. The reception in Rijkerswoerd can be used as a reception location until at least 2031. Arnhem is currently accommodating about 1,000 Ukrainian displaced persons across several locations in the city.

Reception Under Pressure

Across the Netherlands, the reception of Ukrainian refugees is under pressure. There are currently around 127,000 Ukrainians in our country, while only 97,000 reception places are available. The Red Cross has long sounded the alarm about this shortage, causing refugees to sometimes be forced to stay longer in temporary emergency accommodation or even find themselves without a place. Arnhem continues to strive for long-term reception locations, especially to provide Ukrainians with a perspective for a future in Arnhem.