Vienna and Salzburg: More and more refugees arrive by train
Caritas runs the “Ukraine Information Point” at Lastenstraße 1 near the main train station with the support of ÖBB and the state of Salzburg and serves as the first point of contact for refugees. They are given advice in the language of the city, provided with water, snacks and hygiene products and given the opportunity to make phone calls. If necessary, short-term accommodation will be organised.
In the arrival center in Hall 4 on the exhibition grounds, accommodation is arranged with the help of Caritas and corona tests are carried out. There is also a food counter, washing facilities, medical care and a relaxation room.
Significant increase in refugee numbers expected
According to the country’s refugee coordinator, Andreas Eichhorn, the planned total number of refugees to be housed in Salzburg can still change – depending on how many people travel to Austria and look for accommodation here. It is currently estimated that 70 to 75 percent of the arriving refugees want to travel through. “Several thousand arrive in Vienna every day. In Salzburg, too, we expect a significant increase in the next few days,” said the director of Caritas Salzburg, Johannes Dines.
According to the refugee coordinator, around 150 refugees from Ukraine have so far been housed in private quarters in Salzburg. About 200 people have contacted Caritas and offered accommodation.
750 places will be created
“So far, 18 Ukrainians who have applied for asylum have been accepted into basic care,” said Eichhorn. The rest are waiting for protection status to be imposed. The country is working in partnership with hotels to create 750 places. In addition, some hotels would offer free accommodation options – especially for people who want to stay a few days and then travel to neighboring countries.
The refugee coordinator said he would be happy if there were even more private accommodations in Salzburg, which are particularly suitable for families, in the interests of integration. Anyone who wants to provide accommodation for free or for a fee should register on the Internet platform www.salzburg.gv.at/ukrainehilfe Report. The homepage also contains information for those seeking help, donation options and a link to the volunteer exchange. It lists which help is currently needed for which requirements – for example learning German or sorting donations in kind.