Hasselt (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Homeless men Michel and PJ moved to Kadettenplein after an alcohol ban at Capucienenplein. Mayor Vandeput’s plan aims to reduce problems while providing help, but some refuse. Street nurse Ivo Todts says meeting basic needs can improve life for the homeless.
Michel and PJ are homeless and sitting on a bench at Kadettenplein. PJ says they used to sit at Capucienenplein, but after a ban on drinking alcohol there, they moved to this spot. There were sometimes issues like noise or fights at the old location. Now they have scattered to different places, but at Kadettenplein, the police can’t do anything to them since it’s private property, and there’s no ban on drinking alcohol.
How can Hasselt address homelessness amid alcohol bans and limited support?
The police in Limburg Regio Hoodstad find it challenging to check Kadettenplein because it’s a private area that acts like a public space. They can only check for disturbances if there’s trouble. Michel and PJ, who often face police intervention despite not drinking, hope to be left alone for a bit. Recently, Mayor Steven Vandeput enforced an alcohol ban at Capucienenplein and Quartier Bleu, which already existed near the train station. This ban is meant to reduce issues in those areas, not to target the homeless. The city is also providing social workers to assist homeless individuals, but some do not accept help. If problems arise elsewhere, the city plans to respond accordingly.
Aid workers who help homeless people usually don’t talk about crime. Ivo Todts, a street nurse, says the main problem is public urination. He thinks that if they focus on these issues, they can better help the homeless. Todts believes it’s better to prevent problems instead of just reacting to them. With more homeless people every year, he says it’s important to understand where they come from and how to help them. Simple solutions, like providing beds, food, and toilets, can help reduce issues on the streets. He believes that meeting these basic needs will lead to less trouble.
