Brussels adds extra capacity for homeless families

The Brussels region is adding 285 extra places for homeless families ahead of the cold winter months, according to outgoing minister-president Rudi Vervoort (PS) and health minister Alain Maron (Ecolo).

Of those 285 shelters, 185 new places are provided by the Red Cross at the newly opened Marie Curie shelter. Another 40 new places will be created at the Samusocial centre in Evere and regional funding for 60 places at Plasky in Schaerbeek will be extended.

The ministers place the blame for the crisis in Brussels’ reception facilities at the federal level, saying that Brussels cannot "do everything on its own" and that all levels of government must do their part.

“Together with those in the field, we are making every effort to find sustainable solutions and guarantee everyone the fundamental right to shelter,” said Vervoort.

“Brussels is taking its responsibility, but this effort must be shared by all levels of government.”

Despite the efforts of the Brussels region to create additional places, reception centres are still having to turn people away.

The reception crisis is due to a combination of factors, including a recent tightening of federal migration policy and a gradual reduction in federal reception capacity, including for a target group that the ministers say is the responsibility of the federal government.

Despite the doubling of Brussels resources spent on helping the homeless since 2019 and the opening of new reception facilities, the long-term reception network remains overburdened.

“We urgently call for cooperation between all levels of government to ensure a dignified and sustainable solution to this situation,” said Maron.

“As soon as we create extra places, they are already filled. The need in Brussels is extremely high.”