With freezing temperatures in prospect, the regional body coordinating help for the homeless in Brussels, Bruss'Help, and the regional government, have decided to activate the ‘Extreme Cold Plan’ for the homeless starting tomorrow. Its aim is to protect the homeless from the extreme winter cold by offering them shelter and support.
From Tuesday 7 January, 160 additional emergency places in shelters will be provided for homeless people sleeping rough on the streets of Brussels. That’s on top of nearly 2,600 emergency places in shelters in the existing network. Most of the places are provided by Samusocial, an organisation for the homeless.
150 of the additional places are being created by the Francophone wing of Belgium’s Red Cross. The 10 remaining places will be made available by homeless organisation Samusocial. These are intended for the most vulnerable homeless men and women.
From Tuesday, the homeless will have access to round-the-clock residential facilities providing a sleeping space, sanitation, hot meals and support. Homeless people apply for a place by calling Samusocial‘s toll-free emergency number (0800 99 340).
Stations open too
The Extreme Cold Plan is being activated for a month. An evaluation will follow and the plan could then be extended beyond 7 February. Brussels local transport company MIVB and rail company NMBS are also taking measures to protect homeless people from the cold. Several metro stations and Brussels South Station (Zuid/Midi) are open for the homeless in sub-zero temperatures. Some Brussels municipalities are also taking additional measures to help the homeless in their borough.
‘Thanks to everyone's vigilance and care, people are being rescued. Shelter is being provided and, if necessary, they are being referred to counselling by Bruss'Help partners’ Bruss'Help says in the press release.
On an average night an estimated 10,000 homeless people and asylum seekers sleep rough on the streets of Brussels.