De Hongerman sports centre in Nuenen will be converted to an emergency refugee shelter, the city council announced tonight.
Refugees arrive next Tuesday, when asylum seekers will be collected for 72 hours. Some are expected to stay a further three days, while there has been no mention of long-term stays. From Nuenen they will be taken to a permanent location.
The asylum seekers will stay in the sports centre, which has 24-hour security as well as food, beverages, and beds. An interpreter will also be onsite. Refugees will be asked to remain inside the sports centre as much as possible.
Local residents and business owners have been advised by mail. Those with questions are invited to an information event next Thursday night at Het Klooster in the centre of Nuenen.
The Centraal Orgaan opvang Azielzoekers (COA/agency for reception and supervision of refugees), city council, and the Rode Kruis (red cross) will team up to govern the shelter. The council said it was their moral obligation to shelter refugees due to their precarious situation and a severe shortage of reception centres.
Source: Studio040
Translation: Nicola Wood
