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What do the people living in the shelter centres really need?
The Red Cross has several shelter centres across the Netherlands. We conduct research to map out what residents need in a structured, neutral and independent manner. We do this mainly at centres where we are in charge ourselves, but also at locations where another organisation or municipality is in charge instead. We listen to what people really need, to use these signals and adjust the support and services if necessary.
362
RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN INTERVIEWED
Since March 2022, we talked to 362 people about their own needs and those of their families. Of these residents, 59% are female and 41% male. The majority of residents have Ukrainian nationality (59%). Followed by people from Syria (17%), Nigeria (5%), Turkey (3%) and Pakistan (2%).
90%
SAID THEY HAVE ENOUGH FOOD
The vast majority says they have enough to eat. However, 41% are not satisfied with the food available.
76%
HAD SUFFICIENT HYGIENE ITEMS
More than three-quarters said they have daily-hygiene products.
77%
ARE SATISFIED WITH THE SLEEPING FACILITIES
We see more attention is paid to sleeping facilities at shelter centres hosting Ukrainian residents than at other locations.
87%
FEEL SAFE
Safety at the shelter centres is pivotal. We leave no stone unturned to make and keep the environment as safe as possible for residents.
48%
EXPERIENCE INSUFFICIENT OPTIONS FOR DAYTIME ACTIVITIES AND HOBBIES
The coordinators of the locations have started preparing options for daytime activities and hobbies.
83%
NEED MEDICAL AND/OR MENTAL CARE
Of all 105 residents we talked to about medical care, 83% said they require medical care.
54%
RECEIVED INFORMATION ABOUT REGISTRATION AND THE PROCEDURE INVOLVED
Slightly more than half of the residents we talked to said they have received enough information about registration and the procedure to get to stay in the Netherlands. 9% said that this does not apply to them; the rest said that they have not received any information.
44%
DID NOT RECEIVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR LEGAL RIGHTS
About half of the 362 residents we talked to said they did not have enough information about their legal rights.
46%
SAID THEY DON’T HAVE ENOUGH CLOTHES
Almost half of the people we talked to said they do not have enough clothes.
How to continue?
The coordinators of the shelter centres have taken steps based on results. For instance, an initiative calendar has been made available to residents and food availability has been adjusted. Clothing is now offered from which the residents can choose themselves. In addition, SIM cards for telephones are being distributed and more information has been made available about the procedures.