New residential neighbourhood for refugees opened in Korbach
The district of Waldeck-Frankenberg is opening new accommodation for people seeking protection in Korbach. The "Wohnquartier Am Kniep" will make an important contribution to providing housing for refugees in the district from the end of July 2024.
The new accommodation is located on the premises of the former health centre. This location was deliberately chosen due to its central location and good infrastructural connections. The proximity to important municipal facilities and the existing infrastructure create optimal conditions for the integration of the residents into the community.
Karl-Friedrich Frese, First District Councillor of the district, emphasises the importance of this project: "With the opening of the 'Wohnquartier Am Kniep', we are sending a clear signal of solidarity and humanity. The district of Waldeck-Frankenberg has a responsibility to offer people seeking protection a safe place to live and the opportunity to integrate. With this accommodation, we are taking a further step in this direction."
The residential quarter offers capacity for a total of 88 people spread over three floors. It is modern and functionally equipped and has 29 residents' rooms, six shower rooms with a total of 14 showers, 11 toilet rooms with 17 toilets and washbasins, four cooking rooms with a total of 13 cookers and three laundry rooms with a total of ten washing machines and dryers. There is also a lounge and training room on each floor. The ground floor has been converted into a barrier-free floor, which is also equipped with an appropriate bathroom. With this carefully thought-out infrastructure, the district ensures that the residents have everything they need to live as independently as possible.
It took less than twelve months from the building application to the completion of the residential quarter: behind the realisation of this project is a dedicated team from the district's Building Management and Social Affairs departments, who will also provide on-site care and support for the refugees. This includes social workers, carers and caretakers. The entire staff is prepared to fulfil the needs of the residents in the best possible way and to support them in their integration.
"We have planned and furnished this accommodation with a great deal of thought and a high sense of responsibility. Our aim is not only to offer the refugees accommodation, but also a place where they feel safe and welcome," emphasises Karl-Friedrich Frese. "The former health authority building should not be used as accommodation indefinitely. Sustainable solutions must be found to accommodate the people here," Frese adds. The district will continue to monitor the development of refugee numbers. Depending on how the numbers develop over the course of the year, the "Am Kniep residential neighbourhood" may be able to accommodate the number of refugees to be housed and the "Flechtdorfer Straße residential neighbourhood" may no longer be needed.
Keywords:
Social Affairs Department Integration Welcome and Recognition Culture