The winter shelter Train Hostel run by the Belgian Red Cross will remain open until the end of October, the non-profit announced on Monday.
The former hotel, now an emergency shelter, is funded by the Brussels Region with federal assistance, according to the humanitarian organisation.
The Train Hostel initially opened in March 2023 through a partnership between the Red Cross and Doctors of the World. Authorities had secured a two-year lease with the owner. The emergency centre reopened in early November 2024 for the winter season, ending in March. However, it will now transition into an unconditional shelter for homeless individuals.
Some 10,000 people are homeless in Brussels, a number that has quadrupled in recent years. The organisation highlighted that this increase is partly due to many international protection applicants being left without housing solutions.
Since reopening in November 2024 as part of the winter plan, the Train Hostel has specifically catered to families without housing. These families received shelter, meals, and social and medical support. In total, 167 people were assisted: 30 single men and 28 families, including 91 minors. Among the minors, 19 were young children aged 0 to 3 years who lived at the Train Hostel.
"Thanks to the support provided to find sustainable housing solutions, 27 of the 28 families have been rehoused," stated the Red Cross.
While the non-profit is pleased with the extension of the Schaerbeek facility, it stressed the urgent need for structural and permanent solutions to ensure dignified reception and effective reintegration for the homeless.
