Mechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper): A temporary village for Ukrainian refugees in Mechelen, built in May 2022, will close on December 16, 2024. It helped 1,430 people but was never fully occupied. Only 19 residents remain, as most have found new homes or returned to Ukraine.
In May 2022, a temporary settlement was created at the Nekker site in Mechelen to support Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war. Built from container homes, the village could accommodate up to 650 people at a time. Over its operation, it offered shelter and assistance to a total of 1,430 individuals. However, the village was never fully occupied, showing that the need for emergency housing changed over time.
Why is Mechelen closing its emergency village for Ukrainian refugees?
The emergency village in Mechelen, which has been open for more than two years, will close on December 16, 2024. This decision is based on the lower need for large emergency housing, as the focus is shifting to more lasting solutions for refugees. The closure marks an important step in Mechelen’s efforts to help those affected by conflict, showing the city’s ongoing commitment to providing safety and support to those in need.
Most residents have found new homes,
says Peter Dercon from the Red Cross Flanders, which ran the emergency village.
Some have moved into regular housing or stayed with family, while others have returned to Ukraine or moved on. Currently, 19 people are still there. Volunteers are helping them find new places to live, and they receive a living wage from the city, which helps them pay for their stay and look for housing in the regular market.
