Ukraine

The Maastricht community sympathises with the Ukrainians who suffer from war and violence. Burgemeester (mayor) Penn-te Strake: “My heart goes out to the residents of Ukraine who are affected by this terrible situation. I have been following the developments with astonishment and horror. The involvement from Maastricht is great and tangible. We see it reflected in demonstrations, fundraising campaigns and the many expressions of support, but also in the understandable questions and concerns of our residents.”

Hosting refugees

Veiligheidsregio Zuid-Limburg (VRZL), which includes the municipality of Maastricht, is organising shelter for 2000 refugees. It has been instructed to do so by the national government. VRZL is mapping suitable reception facilities and matches supply and demand. This includes, for example, hotels or holiday homes. Many entrepreneurs and organisations have already offered their help. 

Semi-permanent shelter in Maastricht

Overmaze has been designated as a semi-permanent shelter for refugees from Ukraine.  Refugees cannot go here directly but must go to VRZL's crisis emergency shelter (doorstroomlocatie). For more information, please visit vrzl.nl (in Dutch).

National living allowance scheme

Are you a refugee staying in someone else's home in the municipality of Maastricht? And are you struggling to make ends meet? You can apply for the national living allowance scheme, meaning you can get a sum of money to cover living costs. You can sign up for the allowance at the municipality of Maastricht.

You will receive a debit card with a predetermined amount for living expenses. The card works as a prepaid debit card. It allows you to withdraw cash and pay at any payment terminal in the Netherlands using your PIN code. You can find more information on our page about the national living allowance scheme.

How you can help

If you would like to do something for people from Ukraine, please read the advice of the aid organisations below.

  • Would you like to donate? You can donate money to medical care, food, shelter and psychosocial help via Giro 555. The Red Cross is one of the collaborating aid organisations behind Giro 555.
  • You can also donate to UNHCR: the UN refugee agency. UNHCR provides emergency aid in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries.
  • Would you like to host refugees in your home? Or would you like to volunteer to help refugees who have come to the Netherlands? Contact the Dutch Council for Refugees. Keep in mind that it may take a while for them to answer your question. The Dutch Council for Refugees is being offered lots of help and workers do their best to speak to everyone. 
  • You can also offer shelter to refugees via Takecarebnb. It matches supply and demand for places to stay, in collaboration with the COA (Centraal Orgaan opvang asielzoekers). Make sure to familiarise yourself with hosting refugees in advance. Learn more about hosting refugees (page only available in Dutch). Please note that it may take a while before Takecarebnb can get back to you. Takecarebnb has received lots of offers from new host families. Therefore it may take a little longer before screening interviews can be organised.
  • For more options, visit the website of RefugeeHelp: the online starting point for Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands and everyone who wants to help.

Personal support

Are you worried about the war in Ukraine or do you feel anxious about it? Talk about it with family, friends or people you know. Stick to your daily routines as much as possible.

Are you unable to work it out alone or with people around you? Consult with your GP or doctor. You can also contact  Stichting MIND Korrelatie. Their psychologists can assist you free of charge and will refer you if necessary.

At  De Luisterlijn you can tell your story to a trained volunteer. De Luisterlijn is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 088-0767 000.

Learn more

You can learn more about the war in Ukraine on the website of the Dutch government.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions for the municipality about the consequences of the war in Ukraine?  Please read our Frequently Asked Questions. We work hard to answer your questions as quickly as possible. We will frequently update this overview. If your question is not listed, please contact the GemeenteLoket (municipal service desk). Send an email to post [at] maastricht.nl (post[at]maastricht[dot]nl) or call 14 043.

foto van een gebouw met daarom drie vlaggen waaronder die van Oekraïne