A maximum of 50 people can stay at the new house. At the moment, families from Eritrea, Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq have found shelter there.
The rooms are 15 square metres on average, with a communal kitchen with twelve stoves and a wash room with ten machines and dryers. Caritas is in charge of the refugee home.
Minister of Immigration and Asylum Jean Asselborn noted that the former hotel now provides a change of dignity to people forced to leave their own homes. 60 people registered in advance to be present at the unveiling of the project, while many more followed the presentation online.
Locals were interested in knowing how they can best welcome their new neighbours. Over the course of two hours, subjects such as integration, trauma, culture, and material support were vividly discussed.
Minister Asselborn was impressed by the commitment that people displayed, which he highlighted after the meeting: "I find personal satisfaction in the fact that there is a consensus in Luxembourg that we all have to contribute to help people in need. I am happy that the voices declaring refugees to be freeloaders, which you also occasionally hear in the Chamber, are a minority. Today has proven once more that people are on board and that the Grand Duchy is willing to fulfil its duties." Minister Asselborn concluded that he is proud of Luxembourg's mentality.
Mayor Romain Reitz (CSV) also expressed his pleasure over the fact that refugees are being warmly welcomed to his town. He agreed with Minister Asselborn that it is important to allow people a chance to start over.
