Reception of Ukrainian refugees

We are currently providing shelter to 100 Ukrainian refugees in Son en Breugel.
This is being done at four locations: the large shelter on Ruysdaelstraat (the old school) and in three private homes.

Because of the ongoing situation, it is expected that we will continue to host refugees for an extended period of time. 

Alternative shelter for Ukrainian refugees on Ruysdaelstraat 

The Municipal Executive has decided to use the buildings at Kanaalstraat 9–11, which are owned by the municipality, as a new shelter for up to 65 Ukrainian refugees who have been housed for over four years in the former school on Ruysdaelstraat. The buildings on Kanaalstraat do not have enough space to accommodate all the Ukrainian refugees from Ruysdaelstraat. Therefore, the city is looking for one or more additional shelter locations. 

Local residents and Ukrainian refugees will be involved in the follow-up process 

At this time, we are exploring options for renovating the interior and outdoor space at Kanaalstraat 9-11. Once a preliminary design is available, we will hold discussions with local residents and the Ukrainian refugees. These discussions will cover topics such as parking, traffic, and privacy. 

A permit is required to operate the daycare center at this location. The permit will be applied for as soon as the design is finalized. 

Local residents and Ukrainian refugees have now been informed of the decision. 

An application will be submitted to the federal government for the renovation of the existing buildings in order to qualify for reimbursement of “transition costs.” The “refugee reserve” will be tapped to cover the costs of furnishing and preparation. 

Ruysdaelstraat will remain a temporary shelter until a new location becomes available

The municipality is required to arrange alternative housing for Ukrainian refugees within its own jurisdiction as soon as a facility is no longer available. The Ruysdaelstraat facility will eventually be repurposed for housing construction by the ‘thuis’ Housing Foundation. 

In 2024, a study was launched to identify alternative shelter locations. Many sites were considered, but for various reasons, they proved to be less suitable as shelter locations. 

The housing development plans by the housing association Woonstichting ‘thuis have now been finalized. It is now up to Woonstichting ‘thuis to submit the application for the required environmental permit. Once the procedures are completed and the Ukrainian families have been rehoused, Woonstichting ‘thuis can begin demolishing the existing building, preparing the site for construction, and starting the construction work.

Questions and Answers

What has the council decided regarding the reception of Ukrainian refugees?

The municipal council has decided to use the building at Kanaalstraat 9-11 as a new temporary shelter for up to 65 Ukrainian refugees who are currently housed on Ruysdaelstraat. The municipality owns the building on Kanaalstraat.

Were any other locations investigated?

In 2024, we began exploring alternative shelter locations. Many sites were considered, but for various reasons, they turned out to be unsuitable as shelters.

We are not yet sure whether the shelter on Kanaalstraat will be large enough to accommodate everyone. That is why we are still looking for one or more additional shelters for about 10 people.

What is the next step?

We are currently exploring options for the renovations, the interior design, and the outdoor space. As soon as we have an initial draft design, we will discuss it with the residents of Kanaalstraat and the Ukrainian refugees. We will also discuss topics such as parking, traffic, noise, and privacy. 

In addition, the municipality needs a permit to operate a daycare center at this location. We will apply for this permit as soon as a design is available. At this time, we cannot provide a specific timeline for this development or the related procedures. We will update this information as soon as we know more.

Will the local community be involved in the plans?

Yes. Local residents and the Ukrainian refugees currently staying at the Ruysdaelstraat location will have a say in the plans for renovating the interior and the outdoor space. We will contact the refugees and the neighborhood at a later date to discuss this. We do not yet know exactly when that will be. If you would like to speak with us now, please email row@sonenbreugel.nl. 

Why do the refugees have to move to another location?

The Ruysdaelstraat site will eventually be used for housing development by the ‘thuis’ Housing Foundation. See below.

If the Ukrainian refugees have to continue living at their current location, will that affect the housing development plans for that site?

The refugees will not be left out on the street. We are working to house the refugees at Kanaalstraat 9–11 as soon as possible in order to make way for housing construction on Ruysdaelstraat. 

Do you have any questions about the housing development project by the 'thuis' housing association on Ruysdaelstraat? If so, please contact the housing association via Contact - 'thuis' Housing Association

Do you have any questions for the municipality regarding the housing development on Ruysdaelstraat? Please email row@sonenbreugel.nl.

When will Ukrainian refugees begin to be housed at 9-11 Kanaalstraat?

That is not yet known.

Will there be any changes to the front of the building?

We don't know yet. There isn't a design yet.

What has the experience been like in the area surrounding the current shelter?

We have a good relationship with local residents.

What is the composition of the group of refugees?

This mainly concerns families with children. In total, there are up to 65 people, most of whom have been living in Son en Breugel for four years. 

Do the refugees stay at the shelter all day?

No. The children attend elementary school or secondary school. Most adults have a part-time or full-time job.

Can I help out, for example as a volunteer?

This is always possible, regardless of the location of the shelter. If you are interested, please contact Mirjam de Groot of the LEVgroep at mirjam.degroot@levgroep.nl. She is currently responsible for the day-to-day management of the current shelter location.

Will there be supervision at the site?

The current location is monitored 24/7. This will also be the case at the new location.

Were any other locations investigated?

Yes. For various reasons, these turned out not to be suitable. 

Can I appeal the decision?

The municipality needs a permit to use the building to house refugees. Interested parties may file an objection to the granting of the permit. The municipality will apply for the permit once a design plan is in place. We will keep local residents informed about the process.

I have a question/I'm worried. Who can I talk to?

Please contact us at row@sonenbreugel.nl