Geel (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): De Waaiburg, led by director Julie Van Elst, aids vulnerable youth in Zuiderkempen. Their “De Statie” project offers 8 affordable studios for young adults. Supported by €122,354 from the province, it addresses homelessness among under-25s in Geel, fostering community and stability.
De Waaiburg is a youth care organization in Zuiderkempen that helps vulnerable young people, families, and young adults. They offer different services to support their social, emotional, and practical needs. Their goal is to guide people and help them grow, especially those going through tough times. De Waaiburg takes a complete approach to helping individuals deal with challenges, aiming to promote stability and independence.
How is “De Statie” in Geel helping homeless youth with €122,354?
De Waaiburg started a project called “De Statie” to help young adults by providing 8 safe and affordable studios and shared spaces. This project is for those who are leaving youth care or have unstable homes, allowing them to live independently while also building a community with others. Julie Van Elst, the director, wants to give these young people a better chance in life, especially since many struggle to find stable housing. They are working with Thomas More University College to help students with financial issues and have found a private investor to support the building. Geel was chosen because many young adults there are homeless or couch-surfing at friends’ places, which often goes unnoticed.
The province is giving 122,354 euros to help with De Statie, where many young adults under 25 are homeless in the Kempen area. Kathleen Helen, a provincial deputy, says these young people often come from care facilities and struggle to find affordable housing. Julie Van Elst points out that some end up in homes that aren’t even legal, which can hurt their health. De Statie will not only provide a safe place to live but also support and guidance. There will be shared spaces for residents to meet and connect with the community, helping them feel better and start fresh in life.
The director of De Waaiburg believes that if we can show the positive results of this project, more people will want to invest in similar efforts. When investors see how De Statie helps young homeless people, they will understand the importance of supporting healthcare services for those in need. This could bring in more money and resources to improve the lives of vulnerable communities.
