"Prescription: Accelerated Demolition of Asylum Center in Upper Bavaria Incurs Premature Expense for Taxpayers"
Freshened Up Description:
1. Wessobrunn Refugee Shift
Once temporary shelters popped up in Wessobrunn to house refugees, they've since been dismantled, with historic buildings set to become new refugee homes.
Historic Homes for Refugees
In mid-November 2023, a temporary refugee accommodation was established on a parking lot near the multi-purpose hall in Wessobrunn. By the end of the following month, the accommodation – consisting of a thermohall, kitchen tent, sanitation container, and security service container – was ready to welcome refugees. However, by the end of June 2024, the district office decided to dismantle the thermohall, even though the lease for the area was not due to expire until then.
The thermohall was dismantled early as it was an expensive operation for the taxpayers, says Bernhard Pössinger from the contact point for asylum and integration at the district office. The roughly 30 residents of the thermohall were accommodated elsewhere, while the kitchen tent and a few containers, including the security service containers, remain standing. The thermohall will now be set up in Weilheim on the former WTW company site in the Trifthof, which will serve as a storage hall.
New Beginnings for the Old Chancellery
Meanwhile, Wessobrunn is focusing on providing permanent accommodations for refugees in the future. The Old Chancellery in Forst is being renovated and expanded to accommodate around ten people. The building has a history of serving as an administrative branch office of the municipality of Wessobrunn. After its closure, a variety of ideas for its future use were discussed, including a care facility and a guesthouse. Ultimately, the Old Chancellery was used for senior meetings and midday care for students from neighboring schools.
Monastery Estate for Refugees
Discussions are underway with the Maro Cooperative about turning the monastery estate in Wessobrunn into living spaces for refugees. The municipality took over the monastery estate from the St. Ottilien Monastery in 2018, with plans to transfer it to a successor in mid-2022. However, these plans were put on hold due to the Maro Cooperative's insolvency. Now that the insolvency has been lifted, the Maro is reportedly planning to engage more intensively with the monastery estate in the coming years.
Key Points from Additional Sources- Overcrowded Accommodations: Temporary refugee accommodations can sometimes be overcrowded, leading to poor living conditions and health concerns. It's important to ensure that these accommodations are not used as long-term solutions and refugees are transitioned to more permanent housing as quickly as possible.- Mental Health Support: Transitioning into a new country and culture can be highly stressful for refugees. Providing mental health support and resources is essential to help them adjust and thrive in their new environment.- Economic Integration: Helping refugees become economically self-reliant is crucial for their long-term success. Providing job training, education, and access to employment opportunities can help refugees achieve financial stability and contribute positively to their host communities.
Upon the dismantling of the temporary accommodation in Wessobrunn, the district office is considering alternative solutions for long-term housing. The Old Chancellery, once a branch office of the municipality, is being renovated to accommodate around ten refugees.
Additionally, discussions are underway to transform the monastery estate, currently owned by the Maro Cooperative, into living spaces for refugees, promoting long-term economic integration within the local industry, finance, and business community.
