Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Brussels has set up 160 emergency shelters for the 10,000 homeless people this winter, with the Red Cross offering food and support services.
Many individuals live on the streets of Brussels. For them, to cope with freezing weather, the government of Brussels has announced an “Extreme Cold Plan” from 7 January. This plan adds 160 extra shelters, with 10 places from Samusocial and 150 from the French-speaking Red Cross. According to Magali Clerbaux from the Red Cross, single men can stay for a week, but after that, they need to leave to make room for others. They can reserve another spot by calling Samusocial, as just dropping by isn’t allowed.
What support does the Red Cross provide for the homeless?
The Red Cross has introduced a new program aimed at supporting homeless individuals by providing round-the-clock assistance. This centre offers a safe space where people can find a bed to sleep, access shower facilities, and enjoy hot meals. Trained staff members are present at all times, connecting residents to the right health or social services. People experiencing homelessness must be better served, receiving attention that promotes their health and quality of life.
The centre has no spots but is opening in stages to ensure everything goes smoothly and everyone gets proper care. Currently, there are between 30 and 50 available places, and this number will gradually increase over the next few days until it reaches full capacity. This step-by-step method allows staff to give individual attention and manage resources effectively. By taking this approach, the Red Cross is focusing on respecting the needs of those it serves and ensuring they receive the best support as they work towards stability and recovery.
Brussels shelters for the homeless face winter challenges
The Red Cross is offering extra shelters for one month to help homeless people during the cold winter. However, there are concerns about whether this plan can continue, especially since February often brings very low temperatures. This raises the question of whether the shelter should stay open longer.
Brussels is planning to create 2,760 shelter spots soon for the homeless, who number around 7,000 to 10,000 people. It’s not clear if more spots will be added because that depends on political choices. Groups like the Red Cross want a better long-term plan to help not just single people but also families. The future of these shelters and their funding will depend on what the new Brussels government decides, showing the need for a lasting solution to homelessness in the city.
