Organisations such as these have been set up to help Belgium house the homeless this winter. Credit: WhoisHussain, Twitter.
A much needed positive story from Brussels reports that local governing agencies have collaborated with humanitarian groups to launch an ‘extreme cold plan’ which will be able to shelter homeless citizens from the capital throughout the arctic winter months, coming to the aid of the approximately 10,000 citizens living on the streets.
Shelter demanded for 10,000 homeless in Brussels
Bruss’help, an organisation that actively supports those without a place to stay in the Belgian region of Brussels, said that it alerted regional authorities about the steep decline in temperatures and demanded shelter for unfortunate individuals who find themselves homeless in January.
The plan initially came into force in 2022 to tackle a surge in asylum seekers and Ukrainian refugees, and now the interim government in Brussels has given the all clear, along with federal government backing, to re-enact the project.
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-4C and below allows homeless to find emergency housing
The Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM) forecast temperatures to drop well below -4C throughout Belgium over the coming weeks. When cold weather drops to below this figure for at least three consecutive days, this is when governments will act and the plan will come into play, allowing those most vulnerable, living on the street, to benefit from temporary housing.
Bruss’help projects that at least 160 additional emergency shelter homes are to be set up in the capital, adding to over 2600 currently populating the city. Emergency campaign groups such as Samusocial, Belrefugees, the Red Cross of Belgium and Centre Ariane are just some of the passionate organisations seeking justice for the homeless this winter.
Shelters will offer 24/7 residential access, providing a bed, sanitary facilities, hot meals and specific access to support services when needed.
Additionally, homeless individuals will be allowed into public areas such as the metro stations and midi stations during opening hours, where specialised psychological and social support will be given to those struggling to deal with their horrible situation.
These areas, as well as other sections of Brussels organise warming centres whereby community leaders aim to distribute bread, soup and clothing to affected individuals.
Homelessness has become a damaging issue across the globe, and in Europe in particular. The European federation of national organisations working with the homeless (FEANTSA) state that over one million people across the continent do not have access to a home. The organisation is worried that “it is likely that the real number of homeless people is much higher.”
England has the highest number of people in emergency housing or on the street in Europe with around 43 people for every 10,000 homeless.
What you can do if you see someone in need in Belgium
There are things you can do if you see someone struggling on the street. If you are in belgium, you can call the free emergency number managed by Samusocial at 0800/99.340, which will alert the team to the location of the citizens in need. You are advised to call the medical emergency number 112 and stay with them until help arrives.