About us

The initiative “Welcome to Holzwickede“ was founded at the end of 2014, when new refugees started arriving in Holzwickede. At the beginning we were focused on the two refugee houses, that have been inhabited for years. With the increased and continued allocation of displaced humans, the amount of asylum seeking individuals increased steadily. It became important to differentiate the types of support given. The initiative intends to help fugitives at arrival, during their stay at the refugee housing, until we can enable a smooth transition to living in their own apartments.

 

The initiative works independent of religion, i.e. without being bound to a certain faith. However, we are supported and work closely with local Christian churches and Muslim Mosques and the respective communities in our area.

 

Unfortunately, many refugees had to go through bitter hardships, having their lives and their families’ lives threatened and having been deprived of their human dignity. Some of the fugitives have had to deal with brutal force through war or even persecution through their own governments. Here with us they are looking for safety and a possible perspective on life. Before their arrival, most refugees left their homes, their families, their jobs, their friends and their familiar surroundings – usually head over heels.

 

Imagine how great the bitter hardships must have been, to give up everything and to risk one’s life in order to build a new future in a foreign country. Everyone who works with the refugees can feel the enormous strains they are exposed to.

 

Living in the refugee housing with the internal baggage of escaping war, persecution and oppression is difficult to master and is usually very strenuous for the refugees.

 

The team of the initiative would like to aid these humans during this troublesome time whilst trying to help find new orientation.