The latest findings indicate a troubling rise in the number of homeless individuals in Brussels, as a report released on Wednesday highlights a significant increase over the past two years. On a single night in November 2024, 9,777 individuals were recorded as homeless, marking a 25 percent rise compared to the previous count in 2022. This assessment was conducted by Bruss’Help, an agency dedicated to coordinating homelessness efforts in the region.
Homelessness statistics reveal concerning trends
The report details that approximately 4,000 people were residing in emergency shelters or vacant buildings with the owners’ consent during the count. Furthermore, 992 individuals were found sleeping in public spaces, such as metro stations, which represents a 23 percent increase since the last survey. Notably, over 600 of these individuals were located in municipalities on the outskirts of Brussels, suggesting that the issue of homelessness is extending beyond the city’s central areas.
Broader implications and the need for policy change
In addition, the study reported that 2,649 individuals, accounting for 27 percent of the total, were living in nonconventional housing arrangements. These included unapproved accommodations, temporary shelters, or squats. Additionally, 1,539 people, or 16 percent of the total, were staying with friends or family. In light of these alarming statistics, Bruss’Help emphasized that “the scale of the problem exceeds all individual initiatives.” The organization expressed hope that the findings of this report will assist policymakers in crafting “more effective, structural and humane public policy measures.”
This study, which is a biennial effort supported by volunteers, aims to track various dimensions of homelessness throughout the region. A more comprehensive qualitative analysis is anticipated to be released in June, providing further insights into this pressing social issue.