Mariakirken church in Copenhagen is appealing to the Danish Parliament and Copenhagen Municipality to provide year-round shelter for migrants, offering a safe haven and access to basic necessities. The church’s night shelter, currently open from November 15 to April 30, faces the challenge of limited space and funding, often turning away individuals seeking refuge from the cold.
Line Rohlin Lund, project manager of the social initiative at Mariakirken, highlights the difficulties faced by poverty migrants, particularly those from Romania, many of whom are Roma. These individuals often come to Denmark seeking to support their families back home, facing hurdles in navigating the Danish system and accessing available resources.
The influx of migrants at Maria Church Square has led to conflicts with neighbors and businesses due to noise concerns. However, Lund emphasizes the need for a comprehensive solution that benefits all parties involved. She advocates for targeted efforts to assist migrants in finding employment, providing guidance, and offering support services such as counseling, interpretation assistance, and repatriation aid.
Lund stresses that many migrants are eager to work, particularly in sectors like construction and agriculture, but struggle to navigate the Danish system. This can lead to disillusionment and substance abuse, exacerbating the challenges faced by both the migrants and the surrounding community.
Mariakirken’s “Social Initiative at Maria Church Square” has revealed a significant need for support services among migrants, with a primary desire for safe accommodation. The current night shelter is financed by pool funds from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing and §18 funds from Copenhagen Municipality, requiring annual re-application without guaranteed funding.
Lund proposes opening the church year-round to provide a safe haven with access to basic amenities like toilets and shelter. She believes that with relatively few resources, significant progress can be made in addressing the challenges at Maria Church Square, but it requires politicians to take action.