The Brussels region will activate the “Extreme Cold Plan” from Tuesday to provide shelter and support to the most vulnerable individuals.
Initially, the plan will be active for one month, with a possibility of extension depending on weather conditions.
Authorities believe some 10,000 people live on the streets in Brussels.
In a statement, Bruss’help, the organisation supporting Brussels’ homeless said it has alerted regional authorities about the dropping temperatures and the high demand for shelter from many homeless individuals.
In response, the interim Brussels government decided to activate the “Extreme Cold Plan” with federal government support.
This plan has been in place since 2022, initially introduced to address a surge in asylum seekers and Ukrainian refugees.
It is typically activated when the Royal Meteorological Institute (IRM) forecasts daytime temperatures below -4°C for more than three consecutive days, though some flexibility is permitted.
Assistance for homeless
The assistance provided is non-mandatory for homeless people living on the streets of Brussels.
According to Bruss’help, an additional 160 emergency shelter places will be available from Tuesday, adding to the existing 2,600 places offered by various emergency operators, including Samusocial, BelRefugees, the Red Cross of Belgium, Ukrainian Voices, Pierre d’Angle, and Centre Ariane.
Out of these 160 places, 150 will be opened by the Red Cross of Belgium for single men, while Samusocial will provide 10 more places in its medicalised centre for particularly vulnerable men and women.
The shelters offer 24/7 residential access, providing a bed, sanitary facilities, hot meals, and referral to support services.
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Place registration is managed via the Samusocial’s free helpline and direct referrals from Red Cross partners.
Bruss’help urges everyone to be vigilant in these colder weather conditions.
If you encounter someone in need, it recommends calling the free emergency number managed by Samusocial (0800/99.340) with precise location details. If the person appears to be in immediate physical distress, call the medical emergency number 112 and stay with them until help arrives.
Additionally, winter cold measures are reactivated in Brussels by STIB and SNCB, allowing homeless individuals in monitored public areas of metro stations and Midi station during operating hours, with psycho-medical and social support permitted.
Many municipalities in the capital also organise indoor warming centres, reinforced street outreach, and distribution of soup, bread, and clothing collections.
