Residential neighbourhood for refugees in Frankenberg expanded
The district of Waldeck-Frankenberg has expanded the shared accommodation for refugees in Frankenberg to accommodate people seeking protection. From May, a further 90 people can now be accommodated in the "Am Grün" residential neighbourhood. District Administrator Jürgen van der Horst and First District Councillor Karl-Friedrich Frese gave an insight into the accommodation and the work on site.
Until now, the building of the former DIY and garden centre in Frankenberg has provided accommodation for 177 refugees. With the new extension consisting of 30 residential containers and additional sanitary containers, the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg will now be able to accommodate 90 more people from May. "We are trying to utilise all possibilities to offer accommodation to people fleeing from crisis areas. It is important to us that we find alternative options to the district's own sports halls or communal facilities," explain District Administrator Jürgen van der Horst and First District Councillor Karl-Friedrich Frese.
The "Am Grün" shared accommodation centre in Frankenberg was opened in October last year and has proved its worth ever since. The newly created extension not only benefits from the existing infrastructure of the accommodation, but also from the experienced staff, who have been given additional support for round-the-clock care. "Whether it's finding medical care or helping with the allocation process, the staff at the accommodation centre support the refugees in many different areas. Asylum support staff are also deployed at the site and are responsible for social care," say van der Horst and Frese. The Social Affairs department is responsible for the shared accommodation. This can also be reached on foot by asylum seekers from the shared accommodation centre.
Thanks to the convenient location and proximity to Frankenberg city centre and grocery shops, people can also prepare their own meals. Kitchenettes are available for preparing meals in the kitchen area set up for this purpose. Washing machines and tumble dryers are also available. There is also a training room for language courses run by the district adult education centre and rooms for social work.
"The former DIY and garden centre should not be used for accommodation indefinitely," explain the District Administrator and the First District Councillor. Sustainable solutions must be found to accommodate the people here. In the long term, the "Am Grün" building should also be used for commercial purposes again if possible.