First Dutch churches prepare temporary homes for recognised refugees

The first church buildings in the Netherlands are ready to temporarily house people granted asylum, allowing them to leave asylum centres while waiting for a home in the same municipality.

At a church in Apeldoorn, a vacant vicarage was refurbished in a few days. Around five people are expected to move in next week, according to a report by news agency ANP. Other sites are also ready, but the initiative has not said where they are.

Actie Onderdak, an initiative of the Council of Churches in the Netherlands, says 78 churches have indicated they want to take part. More than 300 churches have requested information about hosting people, it says. A spokesperson said the initiative is working to match available space with households: a church with room for three people cannot accommodate a family of five.

The aim is to offer temporary accommodation in the municipality where each person is due to receive a home. Their departure would free space in asylum centres for people seeking asylum. About 19,000 people who have been granted asylum are staying in such centres because no home is available, according to the Dutch reception agency COA.

The initiative follows earlier offers from Dutch churches to accommodate recognised refugees. Dozens of churches had registered to take part, with preparations under way at some sites.