New refugee accommodation in Düsseldorf: A look behind the scenes

New refugee accommodation in Düsseldorf: A look behind the scenes

Work is hard on the new refugee accommodation on Schwannstrasse in Düsseldorf-Golzheim. A place for people seeking refuge due to persecution and war will soon be created in the former administrative headquarters of Salzgitter. Beatrix Van Vlodrop, press spokeswoman for the Düsseldorf district government, told us that the construction work is almost complete, but some final details still need to be clarified. The transition to use is imminent, even if the exact date of the first refugees moving in remains unclear.

An interesting tour for the public took place last Saturday, during which around 150 curious visitors were able to view the premises. The responsible speaker, Eva-Christine Bock, gave a tour of the new facilities and explained that it is a state institution that is independent of the city administration. A look into one of the future residents' rooms gave an idea of ​​how people will live here. With two bunk beds and a table for four people, it is reminiscent of a youth hostel.

A place for integration

A special focus is also placed on the new residents. Although there will be no lessons for the children as they are not required to attend school, integration and language courses as well as numerous leisure activities are being planned. This is particularly important so that people can settle into their new surroundings more quickly. The local DRK refugee aid knows the challenges that come with arriving in a new country. It offers support and advice for newcomers to make it easier for them to get started in everyday life.

With experience from looking after refugees, especially since the Ukraine conflict, the DRK team will take on a key role in the new accommodation. The offers range from social advice to support in communicating with authorities. This not only creates a warm atmosphere, but also gives people the tools they need to find their way around Germany. In Potsdam, the DRK also ran the largest emergency shelter for refugees from Ukraine, showing how important quick help is.

Support programs for integration

Financing such projects is extremely important and this is where European funding comes into play. The European Union's Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) supports projects in Germany that support asylum and integration measures. Such support is intended to help improve the living situation for refugees. Among other things, the Federal Employment Agency also supports language courses in order to promote social inclusion and facilitate access to the labor market.

These various programs are essential to provide sustainable help. Not only local foundations and banks, but also social lotteries and online donation platforms such as Betterplace contribute to financing refugee aid. This strengthens coexistence in the cities and nothing stands in the way of inclusive coexistence.

The future residents of the new refugee accommodation on Schwannstrasse can be excited to see what opportunities will be available to them here. While residents have expressed positive views about the planned leisure activities, it remains to be seen when the first refugees will actually be able to move in.