400 Toits to develop housing for Brussels homeless

Several Brussels organisations have launched the campaign 400 Toits (400 Roofs) to try to find 400 permanent residences for Brussels’ most vulnerable homeless people. The campaign grew out of a survey of the capital’s homeless residents last summer.

According to the survey, one-third of homeless people fall into the category of highly vulnerable, meaning they are not capable of taking care of themselves. The survey also showed that 78% sleep outside regularly and that 65% had been homeless for a year or more.

The goal of 400 Toits is to find homes for 400 of the most vulnerable homeless people by the end of 2020. The organisations behind the campaign – which include Straat Verplegers (Street Nurses), Habitat & Humanisme and Le Forum - Bruxelles contre les inégalités – are talking to politicians and public and private investors to develop a plan for the housing.

In the meantime, the campaign is looking for volunteers to help with the campaign over the long term. Anyone interested should visit the website.

Photo: Siska Gremmelprez/BELGA