City administration reactivates "Yupidu" reception centre for war displaced persons from Ukraine

The city of Bocholt is preparing to receive Ukrainians displaced by the war: The reception centre at Werther Straße 3 (former leisure hall "Yupidu") will be reactivated this week. Initially, 100 people are to be accommodated there.

As of today, more than 130 people who have fled the war zones are registered in Bocholt. They have so far been accommodated in decentralised locations.

It is currently unclear how many war displaced persons from Ukraine are expected in Bocholt and will have to be accommodated in municipal facilities. A possible allocation key is expected via federal or state regulations.

The city is currently making all preparations to ensure that the facility at Werther Straße 3 is ready for occupancy at the beginning of next week (Monday, 21 March). The reception capacity at this location can be expanded to accommodate up to 200 people if required. "This puts the city of Bocholt in a position to react quickly, especially in the initial period", emphasises Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff.

Great solidarity from the people of Bocholt

"We are currently examining various options as to how we can help the people who have been driven from their homes by the war", says Thomas Kerkhoff. He thanks the many Bocholters for their great solidarity.

The centre on Werther Straße proved its worth during the refugee crisis in 2015 as a central facility for initial care. The necessary spatial and functional infrastructure for basic care - bedrooms and common rooms, sanitary facilities, a kitchen, security, etc. - is available. - There is no need to invest in the basic structure.

The city assumes that mainly women and children will be accommodated, as these people currently make up the main group of refugees from Ukraine.

Beds are available, tables and chairs are provided, as is a children's play area. It is planned to set up on-site childcare similar to 2015. Consideration is being given to setting up residential groups for unaccompanied refugee minors.

Due to the acute emergency situation, care for displaced persons will be provided under an interim agreement by EWIBO, whose team has experience and expertise in dealing sensitively with refugees from 2015/2016. In principle, there are plans to invite tenders for support services of this kind in future, which EWIBO can also apply for.

War displaced persons from Ukraine are asked to register with the Foreigners' Registration Office of the City of Bocholt. At this initial appointment, they will be registered under registration law and can apply for a residence permit.

They will also receive further information on where they can receive support in the form of accommodation, subsistence and medical care if required once they have been registered under immigration and registration law.

"We are extremely grateful for the many offers of help that have reached us over the past few days", says First City Councillor Thomas Waschki. This clearly shows that the people of Bocholt are very willing to help.

Housing is still being sought

The city of Bocholt is still looking for housing offers from citizens. For better coordination, a form has been set up at www.bocholt.de/ukrainehilfe, in which the relevant offers can be entered. All new developments and information are also entered here on a daily basis, according to the city of Bocholt.

A city hotline has also been set up to coordinate offers of help. This can be reached on ☎ 02871-95 38 88.