From Ukraine to emergency shelter: The fate of the Atamanchuk family
In the Warendorf district, Ukrainian refugees live in Telgte while the housing market remains tense. Support and accommodation are crucial.

From Ukraine to emergency shelter: The fate of the Atamanchuk family
The fates of refugee families in Telgte
Fate often brings unforeseen twists and turns. This is what happened to the Ukrainian Atamanchuk family, who arrived in Telgte in June 2022. The family lived for nine months in a double hall at the school center - a place that is the last safety net for many in times of crisis. The family, consisting of mother Irina, her partner Ataalrahman Tlish and their two sons Denys and Maxim, found new support here in an uncertain situation for a long time. This hall became more than just a residence; it became the center of life for the family, who wanted to leave the hardships of the war behind them and strive for a new beginning.
The situation in the region shows how important support for war refugees has become. Around 700 Ukrainian refugees have been accepted in Telgte since the beginning of the war, 31 of them in municipal and private accommodation, such as telgte.de reported. In the search for suitable accommodation options, the new double sports hall at the school center in Telgte is being started. A lot of work is being done here to convert the sports hall into a safe space for refugees. The hall area is already covered with wooden panels and offers space for families and individuals.
Challenges in the housing market
Despite the city's commitment, the situation remains tense. The housing market in Telgte is under heavy strain. Department head Thomas Riddermann emphasizes that private accommodation options are urgently needed to support refugees. A survey for private households is an important tool. Residents can use this to show their support and show that they have a good hand when it comes to helping people in need. Online forms for housing offers are also available on the homepages of the city of Telgte and the Warendorf district. Especially under these circumstances, it is crucial that the city offers coordinated assistance.
The school situation is becoming increasingly challenging for children from Ukraine. Although compulsory school attendance is still unclear, refugee children can attend schools voluntarily. Meanwhile, the daycare centers are already very busy and the clarification of care is still up in the air. There is a need for action here that must be addressed quickly, especially in view of the psychological stress that many refugee families face.
Social responsibility and support
There is also a risk for refugees if they are accepted into private households. In such cases, it is important that the work performed, such as household-related tasks, is adequately compensated in order to avoid exploitation. An overview of the information as to when activities are considered an employment relationship is provided in a comprehensive document germany4ukraine.de provided. The legal framework is crucial to ensuring that refugees do not end up in a situation of exploitation. Emotional support is also a key aspect - local initiatives and advice centers are available to help those affected.
These offers are definitely valuable, not only for the refugees themselves, but also for the community in Telgte. In a context so marked by human suffering, we can all do a small part to offer a little hope and perspective.