Turnhout (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Vlaams Belang criticized the Flemish government’s housing policies, citing 176,000 families on waiting lists. Alderman Kelly Verheyen assured that efforts are underway to improve affordable housing access.
Vlaams Belang, the opposition party, recently raised concerns about housing issues at a city council meeting, emphasizing problems with availability and affordability affecting many residents, especially low-income families and the elderly. They called for quicker action and a detailed review of the city’s housing policies. In response, Kelly Verheyen, the Alderman for Housing from Vooruit, stated that the city is already working on these issues, mapping out the housing situation and analyzing conditions and future needs. She emphasized that the city is committed to improving access to affordable housing and enhancing living conditions.
What actions are being taken to address waste issues and vulnerable individuals in Turnhout’s Garages?
The situation involves vulnerable individuals pile up waste and items between garage boxes, causing problems for residents. Many have reported that the clutter is blocking access to their garages. The local waste management team, OMW, has sent employees to assess the issue and offer assistance.
Despite efforts to help, the individuals responsible for the waste buildup have not responded to offers of support from shelters and social services. Authorities understand that it takes time to build trust with these highly vulnerable individuals. Social workers and OMW employees are continuing to try to connect with them. But the situation shows the challenges of addressing homelessness and mental health issues, especially when trust needs to be built slowly.
According to Kelly Verheyen, the Housing Alderman, renting garages for people to live in is prohibited. The rules are in place to ensure safety and proper living conditions, as garages are meant for storage and parking, not for people to live in. The city has contacted all garage owners to check their properties, and most have cooperated. However, the city plans to take action against owners who rent garages to vulnerable people, especially those who won’t let inspectors check their properties.
