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The Council of Churches in the Netherlands is temporarily stepping in to help shelter refugees amid the ongoing asylum crisis.
An overflow of asylum seekers continues to leave many sleeping outside, while those who have already been given residence permits stay in asylum centres awaiting housing.
This caused trouble throughout the summer months, and, with winter approaching, the shortage of beds poses a new danger to the homeless.
The initiative, called Actie Onderdak, was launched by the Council’s 19 member churches and organisations, including protestant, catholic and reformed denominations.
The Council has written to all local councils and parishes asking them to help shelter families currently housed in asylum centres so more beds can be freed up.
The Council requested churches offer space in empty rectories or annexes where possible. The intention is to give families three months in a new location where they can “find peace and get to know their surroundings”.
The plan was developed in coordination with the refugee settlement agency COA, and also endorsed by asylum minister Bart van den Brink.
According to the Council, COA will ensure refugees can move on to a new location after their three-month church stay ends.
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