Lommel (Brussels Morning Newspaper): A campaign by Lommel’s Compagnie & Co allowed 40 participants to experience homelessness overnight. Rafael Jansen emphasized the dangers faced by the homeless, while alderman Peter Vanderkrieken highlighted the need for better housing solutions in Flanders.
A campaign by the Lommel poverty group Compagnie & Co allowed people to experience what it’s like to be homeless. Last night, 40 participants spent the night outside and enjoyed a warm breakfast in the morning, which is often unavailable for those without homes. Rafael Jansen, an expert on poverty, said the event aimed to raise awareness and understanding. The evening started with a torchlight walk to symbolize standing against poverty, followed by guest speakers sharing their stories. The focus was on being together and ensuring safety throughout the night.
How can Lommel address the safety concerns of its homeless population?
An event showed how unsafe homeless people feel at night. Rafael said many worry about getting injured or having their things stolen, so they hold their backpacks close, which have all their belongings. Women have it even harder because they sometimes have to stay with men who might not have good intentions. Most people at the event often sleep outside or in shelters, and for some, it was their first time. Jan shared that he tried to sleep but was awake all night.
Lommel’s alderman, Peter Vanderkrieken from the CD&V party, spent a night outside and found it dark, wet, and cold, which made the night feel long. He felt both physically and mentally affected and realized how tough it is for people who have to live on the streets every day. He emphasized the need to pay more attention to the homeless and said it is a big issue in Flanders. In Lommel, he believes they need to keep working on this. He mentioned a project called Cabrio in North Limburg that helps homeless people, but he thinks it can be improved and expanded.
