Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Brussels has increased its shelter spots for homeless people by 160 to 3,250. The Red Cross and Samusocial are key providers for 10,000 in need.
Brussels is adding 160 new emergency shelter spots to help the homeless, joining the nearly 2,600 already available. The French-speaking Red Cross will provide 150 of these spots, while Samusocial will provide 10 spots for especially vulnerable individuals. Currently, around 10,000 homeless people and asylum seekers are on the city’s streets.
How is Brussels supporting the homeless this winter?
On January 7, a new shelter that is open all day and night will open in Brussels. This shelter will help homeless people have a safe place to sleep for the entire winter. It will provide clean bathrooms, free hot meals, and support to find other services they need. This is part of the Extreme Cold Plan. The plan will run for a month, and a review in February will decide whether to continue it. To get the shelter, people can call free at 0800 99 340.
Transport companies MIVB and NMBS are helping homeless people stay warm by keeping some metro stations and the South Station open when it gets really cold. Local municipalities in Brussels are also doing their part to help those in need. Bruss-Help, which organizes support for the homeless, says that with the community’s help, many people are saved and given the assistance they need each year.
